Cabbages

Depending on the season they mature, cabbages are classed as spring, summer, autumn or winter.

Sow the seeds for spring cabbages in August, in rows about ten inches apart and half an inch deep. When your cabbage seedlings are about 3-4 inches tall prick them out into pre-prepared beds about six inches apart.

You can leave the plants to siesta in their seed beds until September, and then plant out in rows two feet apart with one foot between rows in their permanent position.

Your autumn and winter cabbages are sown outdoors in March or April, and planted out into their permanent beds in June or July, make sure you hoe often to keep troublesome weeds down.

Red cabbages should be sown in April and planted out in June, to harvest during the autumn.

Some Recommended Seasonal Varieties

Spring: ‘Early Offenham’ and ‘Ellam’s Early’
Summer: ‘Primo’ and ‘Winnigstadt’
Autumn and Winter: ‘January King’ and ‘Christmas Drumhead’