Cabbage (Summer) Growing Guide Brassica oleracea Crop Rotation Group Brassicas (Cabbage family) ● Soil Rich, deep soil, firm with plenty of well rotted compost dug in. Position Full sun. Frost tolerant Yes. Feeding Not required if good soil. Spacing Single Plants: 50cm (1' 7") each way (minimum) Rows: 45cm (1' 5") with 55cm (1' 9") row gap (minimum) Sow and Plant Sow under cover in late winter to plant out in early spring. Or sow direct into ground from mid spring onwards. Our Garden Planner can produce a personalized calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area. Notes Surround stem with a 10cm (4 inch) mat with a slit cut into it for the stem to prevent cabbage root fly from destroying the roots. Use fine mesh or fleece over the summer to prevent butterflies laying eggs on the underside of leaves - caterpillars can destroy these plants. Harvesting Harvest from early spring to early summer. Troubleshooting Heavy summer rains following dry weather can cause heads to split. Planting and Harvesting Calendar < Back to All Plants Pests which Affect Cabbage (Summer) Aphid, Cabbage Aphids (General) Cabbage Moth Cabbage Root Fly Cabbage White Butterfly Cutworm Diamondback Moth Flea Beetle Slug Snail Plant Diseases which Affect Cabbage (Summer) Brassica Alternaria Leaf Spot Brassica Black Rot Brassica Club Root Brassica Downy Mildew Cabbage Soft Rot