Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) is a cole crop within the Brassicaceae, or the mustard family. Also known as headed cabbage, it is made up of several different cultivars of the Brassica oleracea species (forming the capitata group) that form hard, central heads.
The Brassica oleracea species also includes kale, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, collard greens, broccoli, and kohlrabi – all of which originated from the wild cabbage plant. These cultivars were selectively bred over centuries and produced wildly different looking plants, despite being one species.
Cabbage was originally a leafy, kale-like vegetable, but by the 15th or 16th century AD, it had been selectively grown to form heads and served as a major food within Europe. Although the term “cabbage” originally referred to all forms of Brassica oleracea species, including those with no heads (such as kale), it now refers only to those cultivars with heads.
The term may also refer to other closely related head-forming brassicas such as Napa or celery cabbage (a cultivar of Brassica rapa).
Growing this plant can challenge the home gardener as it attracts many different types of pests, has specific nutrient requirements, and is prone to bacterial and fungal diseases. However, using our cabbage growing, care, and harvesting guides down below, you should be able to produce your own bumper crop with a little work and due diligence. Happy gardening!
If you’re looking to pull a fresh, crisp vegetable from your winter garden, consider winter cabbage. Storage varieties can withstand cold temperatures and frosts without sustaining much damage. Learn about important factors such as planting dates and crop protection for a successful late-season harvest. Read more now.
Wondering when and how to harvest homegrown cabbage? Get tips from our experts that explain the right time for plucking your spectacular spheres of deliciousness, and discover the best methods of picking them from the garden, how to store them in the kitchen, and fabulous recipe suggestions. Read more now.
You’ve probably heard of green and red cabbage, but what about savoy? This variety has crinkled green leaves with a sweet flavor. Its deep green color and visually interesting texture make it a beautiful addition to your garden. Crunchy yet tender, this is a fantastic variety for using in slaws. Learn more now.
While it may not be as trendy as cauliflower or kale, cabbage is a low calorie vegetable that packs a serious nutritional punch. A member of the Brassica genus, cabbage is rich in several important vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Want to find out just how nutritious raw cabbage actually is? Read more now.
Turnip mosaic virus affects cabbage and a broad range of cole crops along with many other types of plants. Weeds serve as reservoirs for the disease, which is spread by aphids. Read on to learn how to control this potentially devastating disease.
Cabbage has been grown around the world for centuries for good reason. With so many different ways to cook, preserve, and eat cabbage, this nutrient rich crop is a must for every garden. Read more to learn how to grow and maintain cabbage plants.
Although slugs can be highly serious pests of cabbage and other cruciferous veggies, there are a variety of techniques that you can use to control these land mollusks. Read on to learn a number of ways to banish slugs from your garden. You have options ranging from barriers to traps to predatory slugs and bait.
Cabbage butterflies live throughout the US and southern Canada. While you can handpick the cabbage worms if there are just a few, large numbers can kill your cabbage plants and many other cole crops and crucifers. Read on to learn how to control these voracious caterpillars.