| CULTURE: All members of the cabbage family grow best on a rich, moist, well-drained loam of high fertility. Early varieties require a higher soil fertility than mid- or late-season varieties. Since members of the cabbage family are shallow-rooted, irrigation may be necessary to provide adequate moisture. Cabbage needs a steady supply of water and full sun throughout the growing season. A thick layer of organic mulch will conserve moisture and reduce the tendency to bolt in hot weather. Tendency to bolt is affected more by root temperature than air temperature. EARLY CROPS: Use early varieties and start seed 4 to 6 weeks before transplanting to the garden. Sow seed 1/4" deep in 2-1/2 to 3" pots, 2 to 3 seeds per pot. After seedlings emerge, choose the most vigorous seedling and cut the others off at the soil line. Seedlings need a soil temperature of 75 deg. F (24 deg. C), and strong, direct light. Soil temperature can be reduced to 60oF (16 deg. C) once the seeds have germinated. Maintain good air circulation around plants during all growth stages. Harden plants before transplanting in late March or early April. Space plants 18" apart. LATE CROPS: For fall planting, cabbage is transplanted, or direct-seeded, 4 to 6 seeds/ft at a depth of 1/4 to 1/2". Maintain adequate soil moisture during the germination period. Once the plants have become properly hardened they can stand a temperature as low as 15-20 deg. F (-9 to - 7 deg. C). NOTE: The tendency to bolt is decreased by applying a thick layer of mulch, and by twisting the head slightly to check the plant's growth when the head is fully grown. HARVEST: After harvest, select the strongest side sprout and allow it to develop into a second, smaller head. SOLAR GREENHOUSE NOTES: Use early and mid-season varieties. Avoid varieties with savoyed leaves. DISEASES: Where fusarium yellows may be a problem in the Mid-Atlantic region, use resistant varieties. A number of other diseases caused by fungi, bacteria, and virus may affect cabbage. To reduce disease problems, maintain good air circulation, practice good sanitation, and follow a 3-year crop rotation. NOTE: Days to maturity are from transplanting. SEED SAVERS: See Broccoli section. PACKET: 2 g (about 625 seeds) sows 70' direct seeded or 350' as transplants. |