Growing cabbage in Illinois can be a rewarding experience for both novice and experienced gardeners alike. Cabbage is a cool-season crop that thrives in the temperate climate of Illinois, where the combination of fertile soil and seasonal weather creates ideal conditions for its growth. In this guide, we will explore everything you need to know about growing cabbage, from selecting the right variety to harvesting your crop.
Before you even begin planting, it’s crucial to understand the types of cabbage available. In Illinois, you have several options:
Green Cabbage: This is the most common variety and comes in numerous types, including Savoy, Napa, and flat-headed. Green cabbage is versatile and can be eaten raw or cooked.
Red Cabbage: Known for its vibrant color and slightly peppery flavor, red cabbage is not only delicious but also rich in antioxidants.
Savoy Cabbage: Recognized for its crinkled leaves, Savoy cabbage is tender and sweet, making it a favorite for salads and stir-fries.
Napa Cabbage: This Asian variety has a mild flavor and is often used in stir-fries or fermented into kimchi.
When selecting a cabbage variety, consider your intended use (raw salads vs. cooking), climate conditions, and your garden’s soil type. For cooler areas of Illinois, green or Savoy varieties are well-suited due to their cold resistance. Red cabbage can also be grown if you’re looking to add color to your meals.
Cabbage grows best in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH level between 6.0 and 7.5. To prepare your garden bed:
Select a Sunny Location: Choose a spot that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Test Soil pH: You can purchase a soil pH kit from a garden center or send a sample to your local extension service for testing.
Amend the Soil: If your soil isn’t at the optimal pH level or lacks nutrients, amend it with organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure. This improves soil structure and provides essential nutrients.
Tilling: Till the soil to a depth of about 12 inches to loosen it up and incorporate organic matter evenly.
In Illinois, the best time to plant cabbage depends on whether you’re growing a spring or fall crop:
Spring Crop: Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost date (typically late March). Transplant seedlings outdoors when they are about 4-6 weeks old and after the last frost (around mid-April).
Fall Crop: For fall harvests, direct sow seeds outdoors in mid-summer (July) or start seeds indoors in early June for late summer transplanting.
Spacing: When transplanting seedlings, space them approximately 12-24 inches apart in rows that are 24-36 inches apart.
Depth: Plant seedlings deep enough so that their first true leaves are just above the soil surface.
Watering: Water thoroughly after planting and maintain consistent moisture throughout the growing season.
Cabbage requires regular watering to thrive, especially during dry spells. Aim for around 1-1.5 inches of water per week through rain or irrigation systems. Consistent moisture helps prevent issues like splitting heads and bolting (flowering prematurely).
Cabbage is a heavy feeder that benefits from additional nutrients throughout its growth cycle:
Initial Fertilization: Use a balanced fertilizer at planting time (10-10-10 NPK) to give plants an initial nutrient boost.
Side Dressing: Apply additional nitrogen-rich fertilizer (like urea) when plants are about halfway to maturity—typically around 4 weeks after transplanting.
Cabbage can attract various pests such as aphids, caterpillars, and cabbage worms. Here’s how to manage them:
Row Covers: Use floating row covers to protect young plants from pests while still allowing sunlight and moisture through.
Handpicking: Inspect plants regularly and remove any visible pests by hand.
Organic Pesticides: If infestations occur, consider using insecticidal soap or neem oil as organic pest control methods.
Prevent disease by practicing crop rotation every year—avoid planting cabbage in the same location year after year. Common diseases affecting cabbage include:
Downy Mildew: Avoid overhead watering; ensure good air circulation among plants.
Black Rot: Remove any affected leaves immediately; start with disease-resistant varieties when possible.
The time from planting to harvest varies based on the variety but generally takes between 70 to 100 days:
Check Size: Harvest heads when they feel firm and are fully formed but before they begin splitting.
Cutting: Use a sharp knife to cut heads off at the base, leaving some outer leaves intact for protection.
Timing: Ideally, harvest cabbage in the morning when temperatures are cooler for better flavor retention.
After harvesting, store cabbages in a cool place with high humidity—like a root cellar or refrigerator crisper drawer—to extend their shelf life. Properly stored cabbage can last several months if kept cool.
Growing cabbage in Illinois is not only feasible but also enjoyable with proper planning and care. By selecting suitable varieties, preparing your soil correctly, providing adequate water and nutrients, managing pests effectively, and knowing when to harvest, you can enjoy homegrown cabbages throughout the growing season. Whether you’re making coleslaw for summer barbecues or cooking hearty dishes during winter months, cabbage is a versatile vegetable worth cultivating in your garden!