When to Plant Cabbage in Brisbane — Subtropical 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 | S | S/T | S/T | S | S/T | S/T | S/T | T | — |
S = Seed Tray T = Transplant D = Direct Sow
Current Growing Conditions
Soil temperature: 16.2°C (optimal range: 5–30°C) ✓ Ready to plant
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
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.
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