Whether you love it or hate it, cabbage is an iconic winter vegetable found in most Australian homes. It’s the perfect addition to many dishes, including stews, soups, coleslaw and salads.
Containing lots of helpful and beneficial nutrients. Cabbage can help to reduce chronic inflammation, improve digestion, and help to regulate a healthy heart. It can lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels and is packed full of vitamin C and vitamin K.
It’s easy to see why adding these veggies to your diet is a must, and did you know growing them yourself is easier than you think.
Ready to learn how?


Soil Preparation & Water Requirements | How to Grow Cabbages with Capalaba Produce
Cabbages grow well in a free draining soil, rich in organic matter. We recommend adding a compost or manure such as Rocky Point Cow Manure to the soil to increase the microbial activity and water retention.
Once your soil has been prepared, you’re ready to plant.
There are many different varieties of cabbage to choose from, so choose which ever one you prefer. Place them into the soil 30cm apart and water in well, you can even add a seaweed tonic like Gogo Juice, to help ease planting stress, to stimulate new growth and to give your cabbages all of the beneficial bacteria they need to thrive.
Cabbage plants need regular watering, and prefer the soil to be moist, but not soggy.
To have good control over water retention in the soil, remember to mulch, it will stop your soil from drying out too frequently.

Harvest | How to Grow Cabbages with Capalaba Produce
Most cabbages take between 10-12 weeks to fully grow. Check to see if the heads have fully formed and are firm to touch.
Chinese cabbages such as Bok Choy, should only take 30 days. Once they are 30cm tall or more, they are ready to harvest.
Use a sharp knife and cut them just above ground level.
Enjoy, fresh cabbage, is the best cabbage.

Pests & Diseases | How to Grow Cabbages with Capalaba Produce
The cabbage’s greatest enemy is the caterpillar of the cabbage moth/white butterfly. As the name suggests, cabbages are their favourite snack, so it is best to combat this butterfly before you have an infestation on your hands.
These butterflies are very territorial so an easy way to deter them from your cabbages is by using cabbage moth decoy stakes, these resemble the real deal, and make it less likely for a real one to land nearby.
If you do find that caterpillars have been eating your cabbages, act quickly. They can do a lot of damage in a short amount of time. Manually remove them and any eggs you find, they can sometimes be hard to spot, but you’ll be grateful that you did. Continue to check your plants religiously.
The best prevention is by using pest-exclusion nets or a fine mesh. These stop the butterflies from physically landing on your cabbages and laying their eggs and stop other pests from gaining access.
Other common pests include garden snails, slugs, and aphids.
Cabbages are also susceptible to diseases, including,
- Blackleg
- Clubroot
- Powdery Mildew
- Leafspot
- White mould
If you think your cabbages may have a disease it is best to seek advice from an expert. Our team here at Capalaba Produce are knowledgeable and can help you identify and treat any problems that may arise.
Happy gardening with Nicholas and the team at Capalaba Produce.