Last Updated on February 17, 2024
Growing cabbage in Florida is relatively easy during the cooler months.
There’s a longer window for a winter garden in North Florida vs South Florida due to the amount of days with lower temperatures.
Table of Contents
Tips for Growing Cabbage in Florida
Plant Early
Set out new spring plants about four weeks before the last frost to mature before summer’s heat.
Use Mechanical Transplanters, if possible
Most commercially grown cabbage is planted using mechanical transplanters. These machines are designed to plant seedlings into the ground at a consistent depth and spacing, ensuring optimal growth conditions. If you plant cabbage by hand, just be mindful to leave plenty of space.
Space Plants
When transplanting seedlings, space them 12 to 32 inches apart, depending on the variety and desired head size.
Provide Water
Cabbage needs about one inch of water per week, and consistent watering prevents the cabbage heads from cracking.
Use Fertile Soil
Cabbage in Florida grows best in fertile, well-draining soil. Before planting, work compost or aged manure into the soil.
Fertilize
Feed cabbage plants with balanced slow release fertilizer when transplanting and again when small, whole heads begin to form.
Harvest
Harvest cabbage anytime after the heads have reached a suitable size and feel firm when gently squeezed.
Simply cut the head off at the base of the plant.
Some cabbage varieties that grow well in Florida include:
- Baby Pixie
- Bobcat
- Copenhagen Market
- Flat Dutch
- Red Acre
- Rio Verde
- Round Dutch
- Savoy
- Wakefield types
The best practice for growing a head of cabbage is to ensure it has full sun. Plenty of sunlight is a critical ingredient in fruitful cabbage crops.
Right now is an excellent time to start planting traditional cabbage, especially in the Central and Northern regions:
Traditional Cabbage Season in Florida By Region
- North Florida – August thru February
- Central Florida – September thru February
- South Florida – September thru January
Heads Up!
It’s essential to maintain consistent watering, fertilization, and weed control to prevent issues such as attracting cabbage worms.
A tidy garden and a well-nourished plant are essential for a successful harvest. So check your garden regularly.
Black rot can impact any member of the Brassica family. It is characterized by the yellowing and browning of the leaves in a V-shaped pattern.
This disease leads to small black rotten spots on the cabbage head, which can eventually result in the entire head rotting.
Annual Swamp Cabbage Festival in LaBelle
Don’t miss the Swamp Cabbage Festival at Barron Park in LaBelle, Florida. It’s featured in Top Florida Festivals in February 2024.
The parade is full of lots of entertainers, including cloggers. Don’t miss this homegrown event and opportunity to try Swamp Cabbage.
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