How Far Apart Do You Plant Cabbage

If you’re planning your vegetable garden, knowing how far apart do you plant cabbage is one of the most important steps for success. Getting this spacing right makes the difference between a disappointing harvest and a bounty of crisp, firm heads.

Proper spacing gives your cabbage plants the room they need to grow large and healthy. It allows for good air circulation, which prevents disease, and ensures each plant gets enough sunlight, water, and nutrients from the soil. Let’s look at the specifics so you can plan your garden layout perfectly.

The short answer is that it depends on the variety you’re growing. Most standard cabbage types need a good amount of space to reach their full potential.

Spacing for Full-Size Cabbage Varieties

For the classic, large-headed cabbages you see at the market, follow these spacing guidelines:

In Rows: Plant seedlings 18 to 24 inches apart from each other within the row.
Between Rows: Space your rows 24 to 36 inches apart.

This means each plant has a dedicated square of soil about 2 feet by 2 feet. Smaller varieties, like some early season types, can sometimes be planted at the 15-inch mark within the row. Always check your seed packet for the breeders specific recommendation, as they know their plants best.

Spacing for Mini or Dwarf Cabbage Varieties

Compact varieties, such as ‘Gonzales’ or ‘Caraflex’, are perfect for smaller gardens or container growing. Their spacing requirements are more forgiving:

In Rows: Plant seedlings 12 to 15 inches apart.
Between Rows: Space rows 18 to 24 inches apart.

Square Foot Garden Spacing

If you use the square foot gardening method, you can grow one standard cabbage per 4 squares (a 2ft x 2ft area). For mini cabbages, you can often plant one per square foot, giving you a much more efficient use of space in a raised bed.

Why This Much Space is Non-Negotiable

Cabbage plants are heavy feeders and their roots spread out to compete for resources. Crowded plants will:

Produce smaller, looser heads.
Be more susceptible to pests like aphids and diseases like black rot due to poor air flow.
Compete for water and nutrients, leading to stunted growth.

Step-by-Step Planting Guide

Here is a simple process to get your cabbage planted correctly from the start.

Step 1: Prepare the Soil

Cabbage thrives in firm, fertile soil. Work in several inches of well-rotted compost or aged manure a few weeks before planting. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, between 6.5 and 6.8. A soil test can help you adjust if needed.

Step 2: Transplanting Seedlings

Most gardeners start with transplants. Here’s how to plant them:

Water your seedlings thoroughly an hour before transplanting.
Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball of your seedling, following the spacing rules above.
Set the plant in the hole so the lowest leaves are at soil level. Cabbage can be planted slightly deeper than it was in its pot.
Firm the soil gently around the roots to ensure good contact and remove air pockets.
Water deeply immediately after planting.

Step 3: Direct Sowing Seeds

If you prefer to sow seeds directly outdoors, do so as soon as the soil can be worked in spring.

Sow seeds ¼ to ½ inch deep.
Place 2-3 seeds every 18-24 inches (for full-size varieties).
Once seedlings emerge and grow their first true leaves, thin them to the strongest single plant per spacing interval. Don’t feel bad about thinning—it’s essential.

Companion Planting and Layout Tips

What you plant nearby can also influence your cabbage’s health. Good companions can help deter pests naturally.

Good Companions: Aromatic herbs like dill, rosemary, and thyme. Also onions, celery, and potatoes.
Plants to Avoid: Keep cabbage away from strawberries, tomatoes, and pole beans, as they can compete or attract similar pests.

Consider interplanting with fast-growing crops like lettuce or spinach between your young cabbage plants. You’ll harvest these before the cabbage spreads out and needs the full space.

Common Spacing Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced gardeners can make a few errors when it comes to spacing. Here’s what to watch out for:

Ignoring Mature Size: Those tiny seedlings look lost in all that space, but they will fill it. Trust the process.
Forgetting Path Access: If you plant rows too close together, you won’t be able to walk between them to weed, water, or harvest.
Poor Thinning: When direct sowing, failing to thin seedlings is the same as planting them too close. Be ruthless for the sake of your harvest.

Ongoing Care After Planting

Correct spacing sets the stage, but follow-up care ensures a great crop.

Watering and Mulching

Cabbage needs consistent moisture, especially when heads begin to form. Aim for 1-1.5 inches of water per week. A layer of organic mulch (straw, shredded leaves) helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and keep soil temperatures cool.

Fertilizing

Because they are heavy feeders, cabbage benefits from a mid-season side dressing of a balanced fertilizer or compost tea when heads start to form. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers late in the season, as they can promote leaf growth over head development.

Pest and Disease Vigilance

Good spacing improves air flow, which is your first defense against fungal diseases. Still, watch for cabbage worms and loopers. Row covers installed right after planting are an effective organic barrier. Check plants regularly and handpick pests if you see them.

Harvesting Your Well-Spaced Cabbage

When heads feel solid and firm when gently squeezed, they are ready. Use a sharp knife to cut the head from the base of the plant. Leaving the outer leaves and roots in place may encourage the growth of smaller secondary heads in some varieties.

FAQ: Your Cabbage Spacing Questions Answered

What happens if I plant cabbage too close together?

Heads will be significantly smaller, loose, or may not form properly. Plants become stressed and vulnerable to pests and disease due to competition and poor air circulation.

Can I plant cabbage in containers?

Absolutely! Choose a compact variety and a container that is at least 12 inches deep and wide for one plant. Ensure it has excellent drainage and water more frequently, as pots dry out faster.

Does spacing change for fall cabbage?

The spacing requirements for the plants themselves do not change. However, fall crops often grow larger in cooler weather, so giving them the maximum recommended space (24 inches) is a good idea.

How far apart are rows of cabbage?

As mentioned, rows should be 24 to 36 inches apart for full-sized varieties. This wider row spacing is crucial for garden access and root development.

What about spacing for other brassicas like broccoli or kale?

While similar, each has its own needs. Broccoli often needs similar spacing to cabbage, while kale can be planted a bit closer together. Always check the specific guidelines for the crop you are planting.

Taking the time to measure and plant your cabbage at the correct distance might seem tedious when you have a flat of seedlings waiting. But this single step is a major investment in your garden’s health and your harvest’s size. With their roots comfortably spread out and their leaves bathed in sun, your properly spaced cabbage plants will have everything they need to produce the perfect, satisfying heads you’re hoping for.