When to Plant Cabbage in Melbourne — Cool Temperate Guide
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.
Planting Calendar
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S/T | S/T | S/T | T | — | — | — | S | S/T | S/T | S/T | S/T |
S = Seed Tray T = Transplant D = Direct Sow
Current Growing Conditions
Soil temperature: 21.9°C (optimal range: 5–30°C) ✓ Ready to plant
How to Grow Cabbage in Cool Temperate Australia
When to Plant
September-December (spring-summer) and February-April (autumn). Year-round planting possible with variety selection. Winter hardy types overwinter well.
- 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
Cool Temperate Growing Tips for Cabbage
Recommended Varieties
- Drumhead
- January King
- Savoy types
- Red Drumhead
- Golden Acre
Key Challenges
- Slow growth in cold winters
- Cabbage white butterfly in warmer months
- Clubroot in acidic soils
Pro Tips
- Melbourne's climate is ideal for cabbage - exploit the long cool growing season
- January King and Savoy types handle frost well for winter harvest
- Lime soil annually if pH is below 6.5 to prevent clubroot
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.
Common Cabbage Pests in Cool Temperate Zones
Organic prevention: Cover crops with insect exclusion netting immediately after planting. Companion plant with nasturtium as trap crop. Grow strongly-scented herbs (thyme, sage) nearby. Encourage parasitic wasps.
Supermarket Price
Current average retail: $5.34/kg (range: $1.90–$10.90)
Grow your own and save on grocery bills.
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