Hello, fellow gardeners! I can’t wait to share what I’ve learned about moving cabbage seedlings to new places. After years of trying different things in my garden, I’ve found the best times and ways to make these cool-season vegetables grow.
When Are Your Cabbage Seedlings Ready?
Your cabbage babies are ready for their big move when
- They have 3-4 true leaves (not those first round baby leaves)
- Stems look thick and sturdy (nobody likes leggy seedlings!)
- Roots fill the cell but aren’t going crazy
- They’ve been properly hardened off
Perfect Timing for Transplanting
Spring Planting
- Transplant 4-6 weeks before last frost
- These tough little guys can handle temps down to 20°F (-6°C)
- For zone 7a gardens like mine, I start hardening off in mid-late March
Fall Planting
- Start seeds in summer
- Transplant 8-10 weeks before first fall frost
- Great for zones 9-10 as a fall/winter crop
How to Transplant Like a Pro
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Prep the Soil
- Mix in rich compost 2-3 weeks before transplanting
- I love using decayed leaves turned into soil during fall
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Spacing Matters
- Small varieties: 12 inches apart
- Big boys like Brunswick: 16-18 inches apart
- Each plant needs its space to grow big heads!
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The Big Move
- Water seedlings well before moving
- Dig holes deep enough for the root ball
- Plant with top leaves above soil level
- Water immediately after planting
Pro Tips from My Garden
- Add mulch right after transplanting – I use biodegradable paper weed barrier
- Plant in full sun spots
- Keep soil consistently moist
- Cover plants if late frost threatens
- Start hardening off when daytime temps stay above 40°F
Common Oopsies to Avoid
- Skipping hardening off (been there, done that!)
- Planting too close together
- Forgetting to water enough
- Not protecting from extreme temps
- Ignoring pest problems
Container Growing? No Problem!
If you’re tight on space, cabbage grows great in containers:
- Use pots 12-18 inches deep
- Width should be 16-20 inches
- Ensure good drainage
- Use quality potting mix
- Keep soil consistently moist
Moving cabbage isn’t hard, but timing and care are very important. These tips will help you grow some great heads of cabbage, whether you’re growing the classic green variety, the fancy Savoy variety, or the bright red variety.
Remember, your garden, your rules – but these tips should get you started on the right foot. Happy planting, folks!
If you have any questions about moving your cabbage seedlings, please leave them below, and I’ll be happy to answer them.
Spring Planting (for a summer harvest)
Start seeds indoors in early April or four to six weeks before your areas last expected frost date.
If you live somewhere with mild winters, you can plant cabbage right away in the spring, as long as the ground can be worked and the temperature stays above freezing. Cabbage seedlings are sensitive to frost, so make sure your soil is ready and that you dont expect any more frost.
does cabbage need fertilizer?
Yes, cabbages are heavy feeders, so they can benefit from fertilizer to support healthy growth and maximize yields. Providing the proper nutrients ensures that cabbage plants develop strong roots, lush foliage, and large, firm heads.
Two weeks after transplanting, you can fertilize them with compost and three weeks later, apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer. Cabbage needs nitrogen in its early stages.
But be careful, while cabbage plants do require fertilizer, its important not to overdo it. Too much fertilizer can lead to excessive vegetative growth, delayed maturity, and increased susceptibility to certain pests and diseases.
At Azure Farm we believe in soil health over fertilizing. We work to add compost to our soil and use organic mulch, cover crops, and crop rotation to ensure our soil is healthy and thus diminish the need for fertilizers.
READ MORE:
Transplanting – Transplanting Cabbage
FAQ
Does cabbage like to be transplanted?
The perfect time to transplant cabbage is during mid to late spring, as warmer weather supports healthy root establishment. Choose a location with fertile, well-drained soil and full sun exposure. Remember to be gentle while transplanting, as cabbage may be sensitive to root disturbance.
How long does cabbage take to grow after transplant?
Plants removed at thinning can be transplanted to adjacent areas. Transplants are used to provide earlier harvest. Transplants should have 4-6 mature leaves and a well-developed root system before planting out. Generally 6-7 weeks are required to grow transplants to this size.
When should I transplant cabbage seeds?
It’s important to know when and how to move the tender seedlings if you want them to grow well and make lots of cabbage heads. After weeks of being grown indoors under grow lights, cabbage plants are often one of the first vegetables to be put out in the garden in early spring.
When do cabbage plants grow?
After weeks of being grown indoors under grow lights, cabbage plants are often one of the first vegetables to be put out in the garden in early spring. Once the plants have developed two to three true leaves, they are ready for transplant. True leaves, although small at first from underdevelopment, resemble the plant’s mature leaf in shape and color.
Can cabbage seedlings be transplanted?
After a week or two of hardening off, your cabbage seedlings will be ready to transplant into your garden. Cabbage is a hearty plant that can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions, from sandy to clay. However, it is crucial to prepare the soil before transplanting for the best results.
Should you plant cabbage seedlings at the right time?
Whether you’ve been gardening for a long time or are just starting out, there’s something very satisfying about taking care of your own cabbage patch and enjoying the tasty results. Transplanting cabbage seedlings at the right time is crucial for ensuring a successful crop.
What should I do when transplanting cabbage seedlings?
When transplanting cabbage seedlings, make sure to carefully remove them from their original container to minimize root disturbance. The roots are fragile at this stage, and any damage can significantly affect the plant’s health and growth.
How to start cabbage from seed?
If you are not buying cabbage seedlings, use these tips on how to start cabbage from seed. Transplanting should be done when your plants reach around 3 to 4 inches in height. Before you transplant them, you will need to harden them off. This is a process that gets them ready for the temperatures outdoors.