Leafy greens and brassicas · Demanding
Head cabbage
Brassica oleracea var. capitata
Growing medium or large tub, compact variety.
- EC (mS/cm)
- 2.5–3.0
- pH
- 6.5–7.0
- Cycle
- long
- Difficulty
- Demanding
Sound origin
Brassica oleracea var. capitata
Its ancestor, wild cabbage (Brassica oleracea), lives on the coastal cliffs of Europe. Cabbage was probably domesticated in Europe before 1000 BC; recent research leans toward a Mediterranean origin.
Source: Wikipedia (in English)
What it provides nutrients
Per 100 g, raw · White cabbage, raw
- Rich in vitamin B9
- Source of fiber
% of an adult’s reference intake (EU Regulation 1169/2011). “Source of”: at least 15 % per 100 g, “high in”: at least 30 % (thresholds of EC Regulation 1924/2006).
Key steps
- Choose a compact or “mini” cabbage: a regular cabbage takes up a lot of space for a single harvest.
- One plant per bucket or large net pot.
- Watch for cabbage white caterpillars under the leaves.
- Harvest when the head feels firm to the touch.
In which system?
| Tower | NFT | Growing medium | Kratky |
|---|---|---|---|
Approximate calendar
| Sowing | Mar., Apr., June |
| Plants | none |
| Harvest | July, Aug., Sept., Oct., Nov. |
Garden, patio, balcony: Belgian and northern French climate, earlier farther south. Estimates to adjust with your own dates.
Frequently asked questions
Head cabbage in hydroponics: what pH?
Recommended pH: 6.5–7.0 (Oklahoma State HLA-6722 benchmark). Measure every day at the same time and correct in small doses, after adjusting the EC.
Head cabbage in hydroponics: what EC?
Recommended electrical conductivity: 2.5–3.0 mS/cm (Oklahoma State HLA-6722 benchmark).
Head cabbage: which hydroponic system?
Best suited: growing medium (Dutch bucket). Growing medium or large tub, compact variety.
Head cabbage: when to sow in Belgium?
Indicative window for a garden, patio or balcony in Belgium or northern France: March, April, and June. Adjust with your own dates.