Cabbage Brassica oleracea var. capitata

☠ Toxic to humans

🐾 Toxic to pets

🌸 Not blooming

🍪 Edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

Cabbage is a leafy vegetable that typically grows to a height of 1 to 2 feet and has a spread of about 1 to 2 feet as well. The leaves are arranged in a dense, compact head or ball shape that can range from 4 to 12 inches in diameter depending on the variety. The stem of the cabbage is usually thick and short, and the outer leaves can be either green or purple in color, while the inner leaves are typically lighter in color. Overall, the cabbage plant has a very distinct and recognizable appearance that is easy to identify.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Brassicaceae
- Synonyms
  Cabbage
- Common names
  Brassica oleracea (Capitata Group)
Toxicity
- To humans
  Cabbage is generally safe and non-toxic to humans when consumed in normal food quantities. However, it may cause gas, bloating, or other digestive discomfort for some individuals.
- To pets
  Cabbage can be safely consumed by many species, including rabbits, guinea pigs, horses, and cattle. However, it should be fed in moderation, as excessive consumption can cause digestive upset and even lead to bloating, diarrhea, or other health issues in some animals. Additionally, cabbage leaves can pose a choking hazard for small animals if they are not cut into appropriate sizes.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Biennials
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Height
  Up to 2 feet
- Plant type
  Herb
- Hardiness zones
  1
- Native area
  Mediterranean

Benefits

General Benefits
Rich in nutrients: Cabbage is a low-calorie vegetable that is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Promotes digestion: Cabbage is high in fiber and water content, which can help promote regular bowel movements and prevent constipation.
Medical Properties
May reduce inflammation: Cabbage contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce inflammation in the body.

Supports heart health: Cabbage is rich in potassium, which is essential for maintaining healthy blood pressure levels. It may also help reduce cholesterol levels.

May reduce the risk of cancer: Some studies suggest that the compounds found in cabbage may have anti-cancer properties, although more research is needed to confirm this.

Supports immune system: Cabbage is rich in vitamin C, which is essential for a healthy immune system.

Supports healthy bones: Cabbage is high in vitamin K, which plays a role in maintaining healthy bones.

May improve skin health: Cabbage is rich in antioxidants, which can help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals.
Air-purifying Qualities
There is no scientific evidence to suggest that cabbage has air purifying qualities.
Other Uses
Compost: Cabbage leaves can be added to a compost pile to increase the nitrogen content.

Relief for engorged breasts: Placing chilled cabbage leaves on engorged breasts can help reduce pain and swelling in lactating mothers.

Natural dye: Cabbage leaves can be used as a natural dye to color fabric or paper.

Anti-inflammatory poultice: Crushed cabbage leaves can be made into a poultice and applied to inflamed areas of the body to help reduce swelling and pain.

Insect repellent: Burning dried cabbage leaves can help repel mosquitoes and other insects.

Sore throat remedy: Boiling cabbage leaves in water and drinking the liquid can help soothe a sore throat.

Healing wound: Placing fresh cabbage leaves on a wound can help speed up the healing process and reduce inflammation.

Odor remover: Placing cabbage leaves in a room can help absorb unpleasant odors.

Relief for headaches: Placing a cabbage leaf on the forehead can help ease headaches.

Salad ingredient: Cabbage can be used as a base for a variety of salads, such as coleslaw or cabbage salad.

Interesting Facts

Feng Shui
There is no known feng shui use of cabbage
Zodiac Sign Compitability
There is no known zodiac sign compatibility or use of cabbage in astrology
Plant Symbolism
Cabbage has a few symbolic meanings across different cultures. In some places, it is seen as a symbol of prosperity and wealth, while in others, it is associated with health and longevity. In the Chinese culture, cabbage is often associated with good luck and is commonly used during the Lunar New Year celebrations. It is believed to bring wealth and abundance to the household.

💧

Once a week

Water

☀️

20000 - 50000 Lux

Light

💦️

50%

Humidity

🪴

Not needed

Repotting

🌱️

Spring - early summer

Propogation

✂️️

Not needed

Pruning

Water
Cabbage prefers consistent soil moisture, so it should be watered deeply once a week or more frequently in hot or dry weather. It is important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Light
The best light conditions for cabbage are full sun to partial shade.
Temperature
Cabbage prefers cooler temperatures between 60-65°F (15-18°C), although it can tolerate higher temperatures for a short period of time. Cabbage can survive light frost, but prolonged exposure to frost or temperatures below 26°F (-3°C) can damage or kill the plant.
Pruning
Cabbage plants don't require pruning as such.
Cleaning
Not needed
Soil
The best soil for Cabbage is a well-draining loam with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5. It should be rich in organic matter and have good drainage to prevent waterlogging.
Repotting
Cabbage is typically grown in the ground, rather than in pots, so it does not need to be repotted.
Humidity & Misting
Cabbage prefers moderate humidity levels, around 40-60%. However, it can tolerate higher or lower humidity levels for short periods of time. Good air circulation is important to prevent the growth of mold and other fungal diseases.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Not growing
- Outdoor
  Cultivated almost all over the world during the growing season
- Hardiness zone
  USDA 2 and higher
Life cycle
Cabbage is a cool-season crop that can be grown in spring or fall.

Germination: Cabbage seeds typically germinate in 4-14 days.

Seedling stage: After germination, seedlings should be thinned to about 2-3 inches apart to allow for proper growth.

Vegetative stage: Cabbage plants will begin to form heads during the vegetative stage, which typically occurs around 50-80 days after planting, depending on the variety. During this stage, it's important to keep the soil consistently moist and to fertilize regularly.

Flowering stage: Cabbage will produce flowers in the second growing season, usually around early summer.

Harvest: Cabbage is typically harvested in late fall, after the heads have reached full size and are firm to the touch. This usually occurs around 70-100 days after planting, depending on the variety and weather conditions.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Spring - early summer
- Cabbage can be propagated by seeds or transplants.
  
  If propagating by seeds, they can be sown indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost date or directly sown outdoors in the spring after the danger of frost has passed. The seeds should be sown about 1/4-1/2 inch deep and kept moist until they germinate.
  
  If propagating by transplants, they can be started indoors 4-6 weeks before the last expected frost date and then transplanted outside after the danger of frost has passed.
  
  Cabbage can also be grown as a fall crop by planting seeds or transplants in mid to late summer.
  
  The exact months of propagation for cabbage will vary depending on the specific location and climate.