Cabbage
Brassica oleracea capitata
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Pl. CFCA — Brassica oleracea capitata
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IOverview
Overview
Cabbage (Brassica oleracea capitata) is a biennial plant native to the Mediterranean region, closely related to other brassica crops such as broccoli and cauliflower. This leafy green vegetable thrives in light, medium, or heavy soil with a pH of 7–7.5 and is known for its edible leaves and seeds. Native to France, Great Britain, and Spain, cabbage has been cultivated for centuries. It prefers moist conditions and grows up to 0.8 meters tall. Cabbage can be propagated by sowing seeds indoors and transplanting them outdoors. Its light energy requirement of 8/10 makes it adaptable to various climates within its hardiness range of 7-11. One distinctive feature is its ability to form a tight head, making it easily recognizable in gardens and fields.
Quick answers
What is Cabbage?
Cabbage (Brassica oleracea capitata) is a biennial plant native to the Mediterranean region, closely related to other brassica crops such as broccoli and cauliflower. This leafy green vegetable thrives in light, medium, or heavy soil with a pH of 7–7.
What is Cabbage used for?
Traditionally used for digestion. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 1 evidence-ranked use of Cabbage
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources- Traditional-use note: Cabbage appears in herbal sources around after-meal comfort traditions, often as a tea. PlantSage presents this as ethnobotanical context, not as medical advice.
Traditional context only. This reviewed claim keeps the original low confidence level, but avoids treatment, disease, dosage, or guaranteed-effect language.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Cabbage support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Cabbage thrives in a light to medium soil with a pH between 7 and 7.5, preferring moisture but not overly wet conditions. It is best sown indoors and then transplanted outside when the weather has warmed up. The plant grows to about 0.8 meters tall and requires full sun or partial shade. Cabbage is hardy in temperate regions with zones ranging from 7 to 11, making it adaptable to various climates. Keep the soil consistently moist but well-draining to avoid root rot. While it can tolerate a range of soil types, light sandy, medium, and heavy clay soils are suitable for its growth.
Light
8/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
7-11
Life cycle
Biennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.8 m tall
Soil pH
7–7.5
- Propagation
- "Sow seeds indoors and transplant outside
- Seed viability
- 3 to 7 years
For first-time growers
How to grow Cabbage for the first time
7steps
Start with easy-to-grow cabbage for a successful beginner gardening experience.
- 1
What you'll need
Cabbage seeds, small pots or trays, potting soil, and a garden plot or large container.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before transplanting.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure well-draining soil with a pH between 7 and 7.5, and prepare containers at least 12 inches wide and deep.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Sow seeds indoors in small pots, then transplant seedlings outside after the danger of frost has passed.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep soil consistently moist and provide partial shade to help young plants establish themselves.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially during dry spells, and fertilize every 4-6 weeks with a balanced organic fertilizer.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Harvest outer leaves as needed when heads are firm; cut the entire head off at the base once it reaches desired size.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesSeed
Edible uses: The cabbage (Brassica oleracea capitata) is primarily consumed for its leaves, which can be eaten raw in salads or cooked by boiling, steaming, or stir-frying. The seeds are also edible and can be used to make a nutritious oil or pressed into meal for various culinary uses.
Other uses:DyeDynamic accumulator
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
3 native · 27 introduced
Distribution
3 native · 27 introducedDistribution across4 continents· 3 native· 27 introduced
Europe10 regions
native (3)FranceSpainUnited Kingdom
introduced (7)AlbaniaBelarusBelgiumBulgariaPortugalRussiaSpain
Asia3 regions
introduced (3)BangladeshChinaIndia
Americas2 regions
introduced (2)Costa RicaEcuador
Africa1 region
introduced (1)Algeria
Broader regions
introduced:Antipodean Is., Baltic States, California, Caroline Is., Chatham Is., Chile South, Connecticut, Crozet Is., Czechoslovakia, East Himalaya, Easter Is.
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family, common use cases, and growing requirements.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Health goals
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
- How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
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