How To Harvest Cabbage

Knowing how to harvest cabbage correctly makes all the difference between a crisp, tasty head and a disappointing one. This guide will walk you through simple and efficient methods to get the most from your garden.

Harvesting cabbage isn’t just about cutting it from the ground. Timing, technique, and a few simple tools are key. With the right approach, you can enjoy fresh cabbage and even encourage a second crop from some varieties. Let’s get started.

This main method covers harvesting the primary head. It’s the moment you’ve been waiting for after weeks of growing.

Signs Your Cabbage is Ready for Harvest

First, you need to know when your cabbage is ready. Picking at the right time ensures the best flavor and texture.

Firm Head: The head should feel solid and firm when you gently squeeze it. If it feels loose or soft, it needs more time.
Size: The head should have reached the expected size for its variety, typically the size of a softball or larger.
Color: The head has a deep, consistent color, whether it’s green, red, or savoy.

Tools You’ll Need

You only need a couple of basic tools. Having them ready makes the job quick and clean.

A sharp knife or a pair of heavy-duty garden shears.
A basket or container to carry your harvest.
Gardening gloves (optional, but nice for keeping clean).

The Step-by-Step Harvesting Process

Follow these steps for a clean harvest that helps keep the plant healthy.

Check the Firmness: Give the cabbage head a gentle squeeze to confirm it’s firm and dense.
Clear the Base: Pull back any loose outer leaves from around the base of the head to expose the stem.
Make Your Cut: Using your sharp knife or shears, cut through the main stem. Aim to cut just below the head, leaving a few inches of stem and any remaining outer leaves attached to the plant if you want a chance for a later sprout.
Handle with Care: Place the harvested head gently into your basket to avoid bruising.

What to Do After the Main Harvest

Don’t pull up the whole plant right away. Many varieties can produce a bonus crop.

After cutting the main head, leave the outer leaves and roots in the ground. Often, several small, loose heads (called “babies” or sprouts) will grow from the remaining stalk. You can harvest these later when they’re about the size of a golf ball or tennis ball. They’re tender and perfect for salads.

Harvesting Leafy Parts and Young Plants

You don’t always have to wait for a full head. Cabbage leaves can be enjoyed earlier in the season.

Young Leaves: You can carefully pick a few outer leaves from young, still-growing plants to use like collard greens. Never take more than a couple from one plant so it can keep growing.
Thinnings: If you thinned your seedlings, those young plants are entirely edible and make a great addition to stir-fries.

A Note on Fall Harvests and Frost

Cabbage flavor often improves after a light frost. The cold temperatures cause the plant to convert starches into sugars, resulting in a sweeter taste.

If a hard freeze is expected, you should harvest all your heads, as they can freeze and become mushy. For light frosts, they can usualy stay in the garden just fine, often tasting better for it.

Common Harvesting Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced gardeners can make a few errors. Here’s what to watch out for.

Waiting Too Long: Over-mature heads can split, especially after a heavy rain. They become tough and may develop a stronger flavor.
Cutting Too Low: If you cut into the root system or the very base of the plant, you eliminate any chance for it to produce secondary sprouts.
Damaging the Head: Jamming your tool into the head or dropping it can cause bruising that leads to spoilage during storage.

Storing Your Cabbage Harvest

Proper storage keeps your cabbage fresh for weeks, sometimes months.

Leave Outer Leaves: Don’t trim off the loose outer wrapper leaves until you’re ready to use the head. They protect the inner leaves.
Refrigerator Storage: Place the whole head in a plastic bag with a few holes for ventilation and store it in the crisper drawer. It can last for 1-2 months.
Root Cellar Storage: For long-term storage, place heads in a single layer on shelves or in boxes in a cold (32-40°F), humid root cellar. Ensure they don’t touch each other.

You can also slice and blanch cabbage for freezing, though it will lose its crunchy texture and is best used in cooked dishes after.

Preparing for Next Season

After your final harvest, good garden cleanup helps prevent pest and disease problems for next year.

Pull up and compost any remaining cabbage roots and stems, unless they are diseased (then, throw them away). Rotating your crops is also crucial; avoid planting cabbage or other brassicas (like broccoli or kale) in the exact same spot next year to keep the soil healthy.

FAQ: Your Cabbage Harvest Questions Answered

Can you harvest cabbage after it flowers?

Once a cabbage “bolts” and sends up a flower stalk, the head is usually done growing and can become bitter. It’s best to harvest it immediately if it’s still firm, or compost the plant if it’s gone too far.

How many times can you harvest cabbage?

You typically harvest the main head once. However, as mentioned, many plants will produce several smaller secondary sprouts that you can harvest later, giving you a second, smaller yield from the same plant.

What time of day is best for harvesting cabbage?

Early morning is ideal. The heads are full of moisture and the temperatures are cool, which helps them stay crisp and last longer in storage.

Why did my cabbage head split open?

Splitting is usually caused by uneven watering or a heavy rain after the head is mature. The plant takes up water too quickly, causing the head to expand faster than the outer leaves can stretch. Harvest split heads quickly, as they won’t store well and are suseptible to pests.

How do you harvest cabbage so it keeps growing?

To encourage secondary sprouts, cut the main head high on the stem, leaving several inches of stem and the lower leaves intact. Keep watering the plant, and you should see new growth appear.

Can you eat cabbage leaves with holes?

Small holes from insects are usually just cosmetic. Simply trim away the damaged parts; the rest of the leaf is perfectly fine to eat. Large-scale damage might indicate a significant pest issue that needs managing.

Learning how to harvest cabbage is a simple skill that ensures you enjoy the full rewards of your gardening effort. By checking for firmness, using a sharp tool, and cutting at the right spot, you’ll get beautiful heads everytime. Remember to store them properly and keep an eye out for those bonus sprouts. With these efficient methods, your cabbage patch will be a consistent source of fresh produce.