Cabbage

The cabbage is a popular cultivar of the brassica family. They are grown for their leaves, which are usually green, but in some varieties are red or purple.

Soil
Cabbage prefers firm soil to root into. It is advisable to leave several months after digging before planting. Dig in plenty of well rotted manure or organic matter in Autumn. Don't use manure too close to planting time as it makes the soil acidic. Ensure the soil is not acidic before planting time, lime if necessary in winter, you should aim for a pH of 6.5 - 7.0. Acid conditions inhibit growth and encourage club root.

Location
Pick a reasonably sunny spot where no other brassica has been grown for the previous 2 years. Preferably choose a bed where peas or beans were grown last year, these plants fix nitrogen in the soil that the cabbages will use.

Varieties
Spring

Summer

Winter

Savoy

Red

Chinese