When do cabbage head

[Nyboy]

Very early March I picked up 6 purple cabbage starts. I planted in full sun, was not the greatest about watering . mostly rain. It is Aug they never formed heads, I am sure at this point they willnt. 1st try at growing cabbage what should I do next year?

 

[baymule]

I have planted cabbage starts and had zilch success and had good results. For me, the time to plant is in the fall, spring planting just bolts or the worms eat it. But I would say to plant as early as possible, mulch well, compost and feed it, and WATER it!! In my limited experience, if they just sit there and do nothing, you're pretty well guaranteed to get nothing. Maybe somebody closer to your climate will come along and give you point by point instructions.

 

[so lucky]

Did they grow at all or just sit there? Maybe they were stunted by the time you bought them. They should have started heading up pretty quickly. Like Bay said, they need a fair amount of water and fertilizer. Don't be afraid to try it again.

 

[catjac1975]

If you can start your own try a few different varieties and see what works best for you.. I agree they were probably stunted before you bought them. They do need water.

 

[Nyboy]

They grew leaves but never formed a tight head or loose head for that matter

 

[catjac1975]

If you have seed and space try some seed right now. If you have a lucky fall you may get some cabbage.

 

[Nyboy]

Do you think seed better then starts?

 

[catjac1975]

Starts are better if you have or can find them.

 

[Smart Red]

Do you think seed better then starts?

Yes! Especially at this time of year. I have never had a problem with cole plants that I started in the garden. IMHO, starts are the best way to go in the spring for early production, but plants seeded right in place have always done well for me.

 

[catjac1975]

Yes! Especially at this time of year.

I agree Red but, not for Nyboy's climate at this time of year.