Cabbage - spring

Cabbages tend to be grouped according to the season they can be harvested. So, if you sow each season, you could be cutting cabbage almost all-year-round!

Spring cabbages tend to have tightly packed leaves, which can be eaten as spring greens. Leave them to mature and they form pointed heads, which can be harvested whole. Click here for more information about summer and autumn cabbages.

How to grow spring cabbage

Sow spring cabbage seed 0.5cm seed in pots or seedbed. Thin or transplant to 10x30cm apart, planting firmly. Choose fertile soil in a sunny site.

Earth up the plants in autumn by pulling soil up around the stems and firm any cabbage plants loosened by wintry weather. Remove yellowing leaves.

Harvesting and using spring cabbage

Harvest spring cabbage by snipping loose leaves or cutting when the plants have formed firm hearts. To continue your crop, cut crosses into the stumps 1cm deep and they will sprout more edible leaves.

Tips for growing spring cabbage

• Use cloches to advance growth in spring.
• Slugs love cabbage so keep your young plants well protected.
• When you thin out your cabbages, use any discarded plants for tasty early leaves.