Cabbage Plant:
Indoor Growing Tips for a Lush and Healthy Plant

Cabbage is a nutritious and adaptable vegetable that can be grown indoors with the right conditions. Whether you’re looking to grow cabbage for its health benefits or as a decorative addition to your home, there are several tips that can help ensure your plant thrives.

Choosing the Right Variety

When it comes to growing cabbage indoors, choosing the right variety is key. While most types of cabbage can be grown indoors, some varieties are better suited to indoor growing conditions than others. Some popular indoor varieties include:

• Miniature cabbage: These small, compact plants are perfect for indoor growing as they don’t require much space.
• Chinese cabbage: Also known as Napa cabbage, this variety has a milder flavor and grows quickly.
• Red cabbage: This colorful variety adds a pop of color to your indoor garden.

Planting and Soil Requirements

Cabbage plants need well-draining soil that’s rich in nutrients. When planting your cabbage, be sure to use a pot with drainage holes to ensure excess water can escape. You can use a high-quality potting mix or create your own by mixing compost and peat moss.

Cabbage plants prefer cooler temperatures between 60 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. If your home is too warm, consider placing your plant near a window or using a fan to circulate air.

Watering and Fertilization

Overwatering is one of the most common mistakes people make when growing cabbage plants indoors. Cabbage plants prefer moist soil but can quickly become waterlogged if they’re overwatered. To avoid this, water your plant deeply once a week and allow the soil to dry out slightly in between waterings.

Fertilizing your cabbage plant is important to ensure it gets the nutrients it needs to grow healthy and strong. Use a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season.

Pest Control

Indoor cabbage plants are less susceptible to pests than outdoor plants, but they’re still at risk for infestations. Common pests that can affect cabbage plants include aphids, caterpillars, and slugs.

To prevent pests from infesting your plant, keep it clean and free of debris. You can also use natural pest control methods such as diatomaceous earth or neem oil.

Harvesting

Cabbage plants typically take between 70 and 100 days to mature. When your plant is ready for harvest, you’ll notice the leaves start to loosen and the head becomes firm.

To harvest your cabbage, cut the head off at the base of the stem with a sharp knife. If you’re growing miniature or Chinese cabbage, you can harvest individual leaves as needed.

FAQ

Can I grow cabbage indoors year-round?

Yes, you can grow cabbage indoors year-round as long as you provide it with the right conditions.

How big do indoor cabbage plants get?

The size of an indoor cabbage plant will depend on the variety you choose. Miniature and Chinese cabbage plants typically stay small while red cabbage plants can grow up to 2 feet tall.

How often should I water my indoor cabbage plant?

Water your indoor cabbage plant deeply once a week and allow the soil to dry out slightly in between waterings.

What pests should I watch out for when growing indoor cabbage?

Common pests that can affect indoor cabbage plants include aphids, caterpillars, and slugs.

When is my indoor cabbage ready for harvest?

Indoor cabbage plants typically take between 70 and 100 days to mature. When your plant is ready for harvest, you’ll notice the leaves start to loosen and the head becomes firm.

Can I use outdoor soil for my indoor cabbage plant?

It’s not recommended to use outdoor soil for indoor plants as it may contain pests or diseases that can harm your plant. Use a high-quality potting mix or create your own by mixing compost and peat moss.