Cabbage
Brassica oleracea
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Description
Cabbage (Brassica oleracea) is a leafy biennial plant typically grown as an annual vegetable crop for its dense-leaved heads. It plays a significant role in agroecology and regenerative agriculture due to its ability to improve soil health through crop rotation and its role in integrated pest management systems. Cabbage is a ground cover layer in food forests, helping to suppress weeds and retain soil moisture. It is often intercropped with onions and carrots, which can deter pests like cabbage worms. Historically, cabbage has been a staple in European diets and is valued for its high vitamin C and K content. In traditional farming systems, it is appreciated for its resilience and adaptability to various climates.
Growing Details
Cabbage thrives in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Prepare the soil by adding well-rotted compost or aged manure to enhance fertility. Mulch around the plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Companion plants such as dill and chamomile can enhance growth and deter pests. Avoid planting cabbage near strawberries or tomatoes, as they can compete for nutrients. Harvest cabbage when the heads are firm, typically 70-100 days after planting. Store harvested heads in a c
Tags
Carbon Farming
Visual Appeal
Easy Propagating
Winter Edible
Range (Based on GBIF Data)
The map shows known occurrence points of <strong>Brassica oleracea</strong> recorded in scientific biodiversity databases.
Source: <a href="https://www.gbif.org" target="_blank">GBIF.org</a> โ Global Biodiversity Information Facility
Location & Timing
native geo location: Native to coastal southern and western Europe
applicable geo region: Temperate regions worldwide
language used: en
Flowering:
beginning
of May for 30 days
Harvest:
?
Seed Start:
beginning
of February
Indoor Start:
beginning
of February
Transplant:
beginning
of April
Uses & Benefits
Edible Rating:
(5/5)
edible uses: Cabbage is widely used in culinary applications, including raw in salads, fermented in dishes like sauerkraut and kimchi, and cooked in soups, stews, and stir-fries. It is a rich source of vitamins C and K, and dietary fiber. The leaves are the primary edible part, and they can be harvested throughout the growing season.
Medicinal Rating:
(3/5)
medicinal uses: Cabbage has been used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory properties and is believed to aid in digestion and support cardiovascular health. It is also used in poultices for its purported ability to reduce swelling and pain. Consuming cabbage may help in detoxification due to its high sulfur content.
health concerns: Cabbage contains goitrogens, which can interfere with thyroid function if consumed in very large quantities, particularly in raw form. Cooking can reduce these compounds.
other uses: Cabbage leaves can be used as mulch in garden beds to suppress weeds and retain soil moisture. They can also be composted to enrich soil organic matter.
Scientific Literature
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Botanical data
specie: Brassica oleracea
common names: Cabbage; Head cabbage; White cabbage
family: Brassicaceae
sub family:
tribe:
sub tribe:
genus: Brassica
Growing Conditions
area needed: 0.3 m
spacing: 0.4 m
growing difficulty: Medium
Deciduous / Evergreen: Evergreen
Seed Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 20ยฐC / 7ยฐC / 30ยฐC
Plant Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 15ยฐC / 4ยฐC / 24ยฐC
water demands: High
humidity:
light demands: High
root type: Medium
frost tender: Low
hardness:
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(7/10)
first harvest: 0 years
life span: 1 years
succession: Mid
growth rate: Medium
max height: 0.5 m
max width: 0.5 m
soil preference:
Medium (Loam)
pH preference:
Neutral
flower type:
Hermaphrodite
growth details: Cabbage thrives in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Prepare the soil by adding well-rotted compost or aged manure to enhance fertility. Mulch around the plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Companion plants such as dill and chamomile can enhance growth and deter pests. Avoid planting cabbage near strawberries or tomatoes, as they can compete for nutrients. Harvest cabbage when the heads are firm, typically 70-100 days after planting. Store harvested heads in a c
Potential Disturbances: Common pests include cabbage worms, aphids, and flea beetles. Introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings to control aphid populations. Planting marigolds nearby can help repel nematodes. Use organic sprays such as neem oil or garlic spray to manage pest outbreaks. Rotate crops annually to prevent soil-borne diseases like clubroot and black rot.
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