Cabbage (Summer) Growing Guide Brassica oleracea Crop Rotation Group Brassicas (Cabbage family) ● Soil Rich, deep soil, firm with plenty of well rotted compost dug in prior to planting. Position Full sun. Frost tolerant Yes. Tolerates moderate frost, but damaged by hard freezes. Feeding Drench every two weeks with an organic liquid fertilizer. Spacing Single Plants: 1' 7" (50cm) each way (minimum) Rows: 1' 5" (45cm) with 1' 9" (55cm) row gap (minimum) Sow and Plant Sow indoors in early spring, or set out purchased seedlings. Our Garden Planner can produce a personalised calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area. Notes Try growing different varieties from seed to explore differences in leaf color (such as red cabbage) and type (smooth-leaf or savoy). Harvesting Cut heads when they reach the size you prefer. Troubleshooting Heavy summer rains following dry weather can cause heads to split. Watch for green imported cabbageworms, the larvae of the cabbage white butterfly. Exclude the adults with row covers. Planting and Harvesting Calendar < Back to All Plants Pests which Affect Cabbage (Summer) Aphid, Cabbage Aphids (General) Cabbage Root Maggot Cabbage Worm Cutworm Diamondback Moth Flea Beetle Grasshopper Harlequin Bug Slug Snail Plant Diseases which Affect Cabbage (Summer) Brassica Alternaria Leaf Spot Brassica Black Rot Brassica Downy Mildew Cabbage Soft Rot