This consistency allows for more accurate spacing with mechanical seeders and more even germination. SIZED SEEDS: "Sized" seeds have been sorted so they are roughly the same size. Subtract 10-14 days for late spring or early summer, warm weather transplanting. DAYS TO MATURITY: From cool weather, spring transplanting. Ideal conditions are 32☏ (0☌), at 95-98% relative humidity, with good air circulation. HARVEST AND STORAGE: Relatively young heads (still green and actively growing) store best. Cutworm prevention: Cultivate soil 2-4 weeks before planting to work in cover crops and destroy weeds. For cabbage worms and loopers, us e Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). Treat flea beetles with insecticides such as pyrethrin or azadirachtin if heavy pressure is observed. INSECT PESTS: Repel flea beetles and root maggots on young seedlings by covering with floating row covers from day of planting. campestris) and black leg (Phoma lingam). Johnny's Selected Seeds only sells seed lots of cabbage that have tested negative for black rot (Xanthomonas campestris pv.
DISEASES: Adhere strictly to a preventive program including: (1) long crop rotations with non-brassica crops, (2) clean starting mixes and outdoor seedbeds, and (3) strict sanitation practices.
To accomplish this, cultivate close to plants to sever some of the root system, or by slightly twisting the plant. Splitting may be partially avoided by slowing a plant's growth. SPLITTING: Early varieties may split or burst at maturity or from rapid new growth if rain or heavy irrigation follows a dry spell. DIRECT SEEDING: Sow 3-4 seeds 12" apart, 1/2" deep, rows 24-36" apart, thinning to one plant in each group. Transplants can be set out from September to February in these regions. WINTER CROP: Successful cabbage crops can be grown where winters are mild (temperatures rarely below 32☏/0☌). To ensure mature heads, seed the crop early in areas where heavy freezes occur early in fall. Start seedlings as above in May and transplant to the garden in June-July. FALL CROP: Use midseason and storage varieties. Cabbage prefers cooler growing temperatures, between 55-75☏ (13-24☌), optimum being 60-70☏ (16-21☌), but will produce good crops under warmer, summer conditions. Transplant outdoors, 4-6 weeks after sowing, 12-18" apart in rows 18-36" apart. If possible, keep soil temperature over 75☏ (24☌) until germination, then reduce air temperature to about 60☏ (16☌). Seedlings should be ready to transplant in 4-6 weeks. in 20-row flats, or in outdoor beds 1/4" deep. Sow 2 seeds per cell in 50- or 72-cell plug flats, 3-4 seeds/in. EARLY SPRING CROP: Use early and midseason varieties. They require fertile soils in a pH range of 6.5-7.5, supplied with consistent irrigation throughout the growing period. SCIENTIFIC NAME: Brassica oleracea CULTURE: Cabbage as well as cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and related brassicas are heavy feeders.