When to Plant Cabbage in Canberra — Cold / Highland Guide

Cabbage

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Cabbage is a cool-season brassica staple available in green, red, savoy, and conical forms. It grows well across all Australian climate zones when planted in the correct season. A heavy feeder that rewards good soil preparation with dense, satisfying heads for slaws, stir-fries, fermenting, and traditional cooking.

Current Growing Conditions

Soil temperature: 6.4°C (optimal range: 5–30°C) ✓ Ready to plant

How to Grow Cabbage in Cold / Highland Australia

When to Plant

October-January (spring-summer). Protect autumn transplants from early frosts. Harvest January-May.

Soil
Rich, firm, well-drained soil with heavy compost and aged manure. Cabbage needs solid soil structure for head formation; loose sandy soils produce loose heads.
pH Range
6.0-7.5
Sunlight
Full sun (6-8 hours minimum). Part shade tolerated in subtropical/tropical zones.
Spacing
50cm apart, 60cm between rows
Watering
Deep, consistent watering 2-3 times per week. Inconsistent watering causes split heads. Drip irrigation ideal. Avoid overhead watering to reduce disease. Reduce water as heads firm up to prevent split

Companion plants: Celery, Dill, Onion, Chamomile, Thyme, Sage

Avoid planting near: Strawberry, Tomato, Other brassicas (disease transfer), Grape

Cold / Highland Growing Tips for Cabbage

Recommended Varieties

  • January King
  • Savoy Perfection
  • Drumhead
  • Winter varieties

Key Challenges

  • Short growing season
  • Hard frosts damage immature heads
  • Slow growth in cold temperatures

Pro Tips

  • Start all seedlings indoors or in greenhouse
  • Savoy types are the most frost-tolerant cabbage; prioritise these
  • Use frost cloth (fleece) to extend the season by 4-6 weeks

Harvesting Cabbage

When ready: Head is firm and solid when squeezed. Outer leaves may begin to yellow or flare outward. Head has reached expected size for variety. Drum-like sound when tapped.

How to harvest: Cut head at base with sharp knife, leaving 4-6 outer wrapper leaves. Leave stump in ground; it may produce small secondary heads. Harvest in cool of morning.

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