Ragged holes chewed in leaves

Cabbage worms and loopers, the green caterpillars of white moths. Handpick, cover with row fabric, or treat with Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis).

Clusters of grey-green insects under leaves

Cabbage aphids. Blast with water, spray insecticidal soap, and invite ladybugs and lacewings.

Flea beetles, worst on young plants. Use row cover early and keep plants vigorous to outgrow the damage.

Heat stress or overmature leaves. Harvest lower leaves young and keep soil evenly moist; flavor improves after frost.

Gardening

A tough, generous green that shrugs off heat and frost alike. Pick the lower leaves and the plant keeps feeding you for months.

The free tool tailors timing to your climate and lets you save this plant.

Sun

Full sun

Hardiness zones

Zones 3–11

Spacing

18–24 in apart, 24–36 in between rows. Give each plant room to spread its broad leaves.

Soil

Fertile, well-draining soil with steady moisture; pH 6.0–7.0. Add compost and a nitrogen feed for big, tender leaves.

Watering

About 1–1.5 in/week. Even moisture keeps leaves sweet and tender; drought turns them tough and bitter.

Plant / sow (typical)

Mar – Apr

Harvest (typical)

Jun – Nov

Starting

Direct-sow or start indoors 4–6 weeks before transplanting. Sow again in late summer for a fall and winter crop sweetened by frost.

Companions

Good with Onion, Dill, Beet, Celery, Potato. Keep apart from Tomato, Pole bean, Strawberry.

Ragged holes chewed in leaves. Cabbage worms and loopers, the green caterpillars of white moths. Handpick, cover with row fabric, or treat with Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis).
Clusters of grey-green insects under leaves. Cabbage aphids. Blast with water, spray insecticidal soap, and invite ladybugs and lacewings.
Leaves peppered with tiny shot holes. Flea beetles, worst on young plants. Use row cover early and keep plants vigorous to outgrow the damage.
Bitter, tough leaves. Heat stress or overmature leaves. Harvest lower leaves young and keep soil evenly moist; flavor improves after frost.