Cabbage in Zone 7A — Texas

Cabbage might not be the first thing that comes to mind for a Texas garden, but trust me, a homegrown head is sweeter and crisper than anything you'll find at the store. Plus, it's incredibly versatile in the kitchen, from slaws to stir-fries. Successfully growing your own Cabbage is a rewarding challenge.

We all know Texas weather can be unpredictable. Extreme heat, variable rainfall, and the occasional late freeze can make gardening tricky. But with careful timing and a little planning, you can absolutely enjoy a bountiful Cabbage harvest. Our long 245-day growing season gives us the time we need to get it right.

To get a jump start on your spring Cabbage crop here in Texas, you'll want to start your seeds indoors from mid January through early February. This gives you about six weeks to get those seedlings strong before transplanting. Use seed trays or small pots filled with a good seed-starting mix.

Keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy. Bottom watering is your friend here – set the tray in a shallow dish of water and let the soil soak it up from the bottom. This encourages strong root growth. Place the trays under grow lights or in a very sunny window. Remember, we often get some early warmth, so starting on time is key.

Get ready to transplant your Cabbage seedlings outdoors in early to late March. Before planting, you'll need to harden them off. This means gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for about a week. Start with a few hours a day in a sheltered spot and slowly increase the time.

When you're ready to plant, space the seedlings 12-18 inches apart in a sunny spot. Our weather can still be a bit unpredictable at this time, so keep an eye on the forecast. If a late freeze is predicted, cover your young plants with blankets or frost cloth.

Cabbage needs consistent moisture to thrive, but overwatering is just as bad as underwatering, especially with our variable humidity. During the spring, aim for about 1 inch of water per week, either from rainfall or irrigation. In the hotter months, you might need to increase that to 1.5 inches, especially if we're in a dry spell.

The "finger test" is your best friend. Stick your finger about 2 inches deep into the soil near the base of the plant. If it feels dry, it's time to water. Water deeply at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the leaves, which can encourage fungal diseases. Overhead watering is okay, but keep an eye on humidity and try to water in the morning so the leaves can dry out during the day.

Signs of underwatering include wilting leaves and slow growth. Overwatering can lead to yellowing leaves and root rot. A layer of mulch, like shredded leaves or straw, can help retain moisture in the soil and suppress weeds. Remember, heavy watering after a dry spell can cause the heads to split open, so try to keep the moisture consistent.

Here in Texas, you can expect to harvest your spring Cabbage from early May through late June, about 70 days after transplanting. The key is to watch for signs of ripeness. The head should feel firm and solid when you gently squeeze it. It should also be close to the full size for the variety you're growing.

When it's ready, use a sharp knife to cut the head off at the base of the plant. Leave the outer leaves intact; sometimes, smaller heads will sprout from the stem. As we approach our first frost in mid- November, harvest any remaining heads, even if they're not quite fully mature. They'll still be delicious!

Here are some common problems you might encounter growing Cabbage in Texas:

Cabbage Worms

• What it looks like: Smooth green caterpillars munching on leaves, leaving irregular holes. You'll also see dark green droppings and white butterflies fluttering around.
• What causes it: These are the larvae of white cabbage butterflies. They can have multiple generations in our long, warm growing season.
• How to fix/prevent it: Bt spray is very effective. Floating row covers can prevent the butterflies from laying eggs. Handpick the caterpillars when you see them. Interplant with aromatic herbs like thyme and sage to deter the butterflies. Encourage parasitic wasps, which prey on the caterpillars.

Cabbage Loopers

• What it looks like: Similar to cabbage worms, but these caterpillars move in a looping motion. They also chew holes in leaves.
• What causes it: Another type of caterpillar that thrives in our warm climate.
• How to fix/prevent it: Similar to cabbage worms, use Bt spray, handpick, and use row covers.

Splitting

• What it looks like: The Cabbage head cracks open.
• What causes it: Inconsistent watering, especially after a period of drought followed by heavy rain. This is common with our unpredictable rainfall.
• How to fix/prevent it: Water consistently, especially during dry spells. Mulch around the plants to help retain moisture. Harvest heads as soon as they are mature to prevent splitting.

Clubroot

• What it looks like: Stunted growth, wilting in the afternoon heat, yellowing leaves. The roots are swollen, distorted, and club-shaped.
• What causes it: A soil-borne pathogen that favors acidic, wet soil. It can persist in the soil for many years.
• How to fix/prevent it: Raise soil pH to 7.0-7.2 with lime. Improve drainage. Rotate brassicas on a 7-year cycle. Remove and destroy infected plants (don't compost). Start transplants in sterile mix.

Texas Specific Challenges: Our hot-to-extreme heat, variable humidity, and unpredictable rainfall can make growing Cabbage a challenge. The heat can stress the plants, making them more susceptible to pests and diseases. Consistent watering is critical to prevent splitting, but our unpredictable rainfall can make this difficult. Be vigilant, monitor your plants closely, and adapt your watering and pest control strategies as needed. Also, watch out for fire ants when you're working in the garden!

Companion planting can really help your Cabbage thrive. Here are some good and bad companions for your Texas garden:

Good Companions:

• Green beans: They fix nitrogen in the soil, which benefits Cabbage.
• Celery: It helps deter cabbage white butterflies.
• Onions: They repel many pests that attack Cabbage.
• Potatoes: They don't compete for the same nutrients and can help break up the soil.
• Dill: It attracts beneficial insects that prey on cabbage worms.

Bad Companions:

• Tomatoes: They compete for the same nutrients and can attract pests that also attack Cabbage.
• Strawberries: They can inhibit Cabbage growth.
• Peppers: They can attract the same pests as Cabbage.