When to Plant Cabbage in Brisbane, Subtropical Guide

Sow March to November. Right now in September you can sow.

Published · Last reviewed · By Garden Buddy
Growing advice is reviewed by hand. Planting dates, current conditions and prices on this page update daily.

This Cabbage guide is written for the Subtropical zone, which takes in Brisbane, the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast. Somewhere else? Your postcode picks the right one.

Not your zone? Cairns Sydney Melbourne Canberra Alice Springs Perth

Also handy: will it frost this week? and what grows in shade.

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.

Planting Calendar for Subtropical

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
- - S S S/T S/T S S/T S/T S/T T -

S = Seed Tray   T = Transplant   D = Direct Sow

Want a nudge when it is Cabbage sowing time in Brisbane?

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Current Growing Conditions

Soil temperature: 20.4°C (optimal range: 5–30°C) ✓ Ready to plant

That figure is read off my own weather station here at Dayboro in South East Queensland at 18:55 yesterday, not a model. The radar, the rain gauge and the forecasts behind it sit on Dayboro.au.

How to Grow Cabbage in Subtropical Australia

When to Plant

February-July (autumn-winter). Can start seeds in January in trays. Harvest April-September. Too hot for summer planting.

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

Subtropical Growing Tips for Cabbage

Recommended Varieties

  • Sugarloaf
  • Green Coronet
  • Red Drumhead
  • Savoy King
  • Mini varieties for small gardens

Key Challenges

  • Cabbage white butterfly active most of the year
  • Aphid pressure in dry autumn
  • Bolting risk if planted too late into warming spring

Pro Tips

  • Start seedlings in February for earliest harvest in April-May
  • Insect netting dramatically improves results with minimal effort
  • Interplant with strong-smelling herbs to confuse butterflies

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 Subtropical Zones

Cabbage White Butterfly Caterpillars, risk: MODERATE (score: 50/100)

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.

View all pest alerts →

Where to next

What cabbage costs in the shops right now, retailer by retailer, updated daily.

Also worth sowing in the subtropical zone this September: Lemongrass, Ginger, Beetroot and Chilli Peppers.

The pest most likely to find your cabbage: Cabbage White Butterfly.

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Common Questions About Cabbage

When do you plant cabbage in Australia?

It depends on your climate zone, not the calendar month alone. Planting months by zone:

Does cabbage grow all year round in Brisbane?

No. In the Subtropical zone the planting months are Mar to Nov. Outside that window it either bolts, sulks or gets cut down by the weather.

Which zone am I in?

Type your postcode into the box under the heading and the page tells you, and links this crop in your own zone if it differs. Or look it up on the grow zone map. This page is the Subtropical zone, Brisbane is its reference city.