A Guide to Miniature Cabbages

It is late summer and many vegetable plants have already produced their blooms, which developed into luscious fruits that provided delicious dishes for the gardener's table. However, fall is approaching and for many plants, so is the end of their growing cycle. One plant that is not deterred by the cool crisp weather of the fall season is miniature cabbages (I am not referring to Brussels sprouts). Miniature cabbages weigh one to two pounds. A good source of vitamin C, calcium and dietary fiber, these healthy cabbages are just the thing to help a person build up their immune system for the coming cold and flu season.

Miniature Cabbages and the Soil

Miniature cabbages love full sun and well-drained organic soil. By fall, your garden may be overrun with weeds, so make sure the area you are going to plant your cabbage in is free of them. Add two to four inches of compost to the area and use your rototiller it work it well into the soil. To prevent clubroot, ensure that the soil is kept at a pH level of 7.0, as cabbages are more susceptible to this fungal disease in acidic soil.

Planting Miniature Cabbages

Start seeds indoors four to six weeks before moving outside to your garden. Plant seeds one-fourth inch deep in seed starting soil or peat pots. Be sure to get them acclimated to the outdoors before planting them in the garden which should be no later than mid July. This is usually after the plant has developed four good leaves. The plant needs four leaves because when you plant, the bottom two will be at ground level, to ensure that the plant is planted deep. Space the plants 12-inches apart to provide adequate growing space and water thoroughly.

Growing Miniature Cabbages

To keep miniature cabbage plants cool during the hot months of July and August apply a two-inch layer of straw around each plant. This will help retain moisture and keep plants cool. It will also protect any exposed roots or any roots near the surface of the soil. Water plants regularly and evenly to prevent split heads. Plant Marigolds or Petunias around the plants to ward off aphids. Inspect plants regularly for cabbageworms. If they are a severe threat, use a cover over the plants to help protect them.

Harvesting Miniature Cabbages

Miniature cabbage heads are ready for harvest when they feel hard and dense. Using a sharp knife, cut through the stalks located right below the base of the cabbage head. Cover the exposed stalk lightly with dirt and it will sprout again. If you cut a cross on the stop of the stalk before covering with soil, it will sprout smaller cabbage heads from each of the four sections.

Sources: Personal Experience, Organic Gardening