How to Plant Cabbage Seeds in Pots

Cabbage is a versatile vegetable that can be grown in the garden, but also in pots. If you don't have a lot of space, or if you just want to add some greenery to your balcony or porch, growing cabbage in a pot is a great solution. Here's how to plant cabbage seeds in pots.

Choose the Right Pot

The first step is to choose the right pot. Cabbage needs space to grow, so choose a pot that's at least 12 inches deep and wide, preferably bigger. Make sure you choose a pot with drainage holes, as cabbage doesn't like to sit in water.

Select the Right Soil

When growing cabbage in a pot, it's important to use the right soil. Cabbage prefers well-draining soil, so choose a potting mix that's labeled for vegetables, or make your own by mixing one part peat moss with one part vermiculite or perlite. Cabbage also prefers a slightly acidic soil, with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8.

Sow the Seeds

The next step is to sow the cabbage seeds. Fill your pot with soil, leaving about an inch of space at the top. Sprinkle the seeds on top of the soil, spacing them about 2-4 inches apart. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil, about 1/4 inch deep.

Water Them

Water the seeds well, but be careful not to overwater them. Cabbage seeds need to be kept moist, but if the soil is too wet, they may rot. Water the seeds whenever the top of the soil starts to feel dry, and make sure the pot has good drainage.

Provide Enough Light

Cabbage needs a lot of sunlight to grow, so make sure your pot is placed in a sunny spot. If you don't have a lot of sunlight, you can use a grow light to provide extra light. Keep the grow light on for 12-14 hours a day.

Thin the Seedlings

When the seedlings sprout, thin them out so each plant has enough space to grow. Keep the strongest seedlings and remove the weaker ones. Thin the seedlings so they're spaced about 6 inches apart.

Fertilize the Plants

Once the plants are growing well, fertilize them every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 NPK formulation. Follow the instructions on the label for best results.

Harvest the Cabbage

Cabbage is ready to harvest when the heads are firm and have reached their full size. Use a sharp knife to cut the head off at the base of the plant. Don't pull the cabbage off the plant, as this can damage the roots and reduce the yield.

By following these steps, you can easily grow cabbage in a pot and enjoy fresh, healthy greens without needing a large garden.