Sowing and Transplanting Cabbages

Where to sow cabbages?

No need for a heated shelter, the germination temperature for cabbages is quite low. Sowing can be done directly in the ground, but preparing seedlings to be transplanted into the vegetable garden is the most popular method.

When to sow?

The diversity of cabbages means they can be sown almost all year round:

• From February to late June then from mid-September to late October for cauliflower,
• From mid-February to mid-June then from mid-August to late October for headed cabbages,
• From March to late July for broccoli,
• From March to mid-July for kohlrabi,
• From mid-March to late April for Brussels sprouts,
• From mid-April to late May for curly kale,
• From June to late August for Chinese cabbage,

This schedule may vary slightly depending on the variety and your local climate. The ideal sowing period is indicated on the seed packet – don’t hesitate to refer to it.

Chinese cabbage seedlings

How to sow cabbages?

To carry out the sowing:

• Use seed trays around 10 cm deep or large pots, and pierce the bottom if necessary to allow excess water to drain,
• Fill two-thirds full with a good seed compost.
• Lightly firm with a trowel,
• Create small furrows using a knife, for example, 1 to 2 cm deep,
• Sow one seed every centimetre, cover with compost and water with a sprayer.

Place your seedlings in a bright spot, in a sheltered location or under a cold frame and keep the substrate moist but not waterlogged until germination, which usually takes 5 to 10 days.

How to transplant them?

Once the seedlings are well developed, at the stage of two or four “true leaves” in addition to the first two leaves which are the cotyledons, transplant them into pots. Follow these steps:

• Prepare pots and fill them with good-quality potting compost, lightly enriched with mature compost,
• Carefully lift the strongest seedlings (preferably holding them by the cotyledons),
• Place the seedling in the substrate and gently firm the soil with your fingers,
• Water lightly.

Let your plants grow for about a month in good light until they are ready for final planting in the vegetable garden. This should be done in warm, well-prepared soil: weeded, loosened, and then raked to create a fine tilth.

Transplanting young cabbage plants into the vegetable garden

To go further

• Discover everything you need to know about cabbages in our comprehensive guide!
• Explore our selection of 8 drumhead or ballhead cabbages to grow in your vegetable garden throughout the year.