How to Grow Cabbage in Containers: A Complete Guide

Cabbage isn’t just for large garden beds—you can grow compact, flavorful heads right on a patio, balcony, or small backyard using containers. In over 30 years of container and raised-bed gardening, I’ve learned that cabbage grown in pots can be just as tender and sweet as those in the ground—if you start with the right container, soil, and care plan.

Cabbage in a patio box — Cabbage in patio box

Table of Contents

1. Choose the Right Variety

Compact or early-maturing varieties work best for container growing:

Golden Acre – Small, round heads ready in 60–65 days.
Primo – Tight, sweet heads perfect for limited space.
Early Jersey Wakefield – Pointed heads with excellent flavor.

My insight: I’ve had consistent success with Golden Acre in 5-gallon pots—it stays compact and produces crisp leaves without crowding.

2. Select the Best Container

Size: At least 5 gallons per plant; 12–14 inches deep.
Material: Food-safe plastic, ceramic, or fabric grow bags.
Drainage: Essential—ensure the pot has multiple holes to prevent root rot.

3. Use High-Quality Soil

Choose a premium vegetable container mix with compost for nutrients and perlite for aeration.
Avoid using garden soil alone—it compacts and limits root growth.

4. Planting and Spacing

Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Transplant one cabbage seedling per container.
Bury stems up to the first leaves for stability.

5. Watering and Feeding

Water: Keep soil evenly moist; containers dry faster than garden beds.
Fertilize: Use a balanced liquid feed every 2–3 weeks, switching to a high-potassium fertilizer as heads form.

My insight: In warm Sonoma Valley (Zone 9) springs, I water potted cabbage daily; in cooler weather, every 2–3 days is enough.

6. Pest Protection

Use floating row covers to protect from cabbage worms and flea beetles.
Inspect leaves regularly and remove pests by hand if needed.

7. Harvesting

Harvest when heads are firm and reach the desired size.
Cut just above the outer leaves; small side heads may form for a bonus harvest.

My takeaway:
Container-grown cabbage can be just as rewarding as in-ground crops, especially for small spaces. With the right pot size, nutrient-rich soil, and consistent watering, you can enjoy sweet, crisp cabbage from your patio or balcony.

Cabbage Container Growing Schedule

Season	Start Seeds Indoors	Transplant to Containers	Harvest Window	Notes
Spring Crop	6–8 weeks before last frost	2–4 weeks before last frost	Late spring–early summer	Choose early-maturing, compact varieties like Golden Acre.
Summer Crop (cool climates only)	12–14 weeks before first fall frost	Late spring	Mid–late summer	Provide afternoon shade and consistent watering to prevent bolting.
Fall Crop	12–14 weeks before first frost	8–10 weeks before first frost	Mid–late fall	Cool nights enhance flavor; choose storage varieties.
Winter Crop (mild climates, Zones 9–11)	8–10 weeks before mild winter begins	Late fall	Winter–early spring	Protect from frost with covers; ideal for coastal climates.

Pro tip:
In my Sonoma Valley garden (Zone 9), I start my spring container cabbage in mid-January indoors and transplant in late February. For fall crops, I sow in late June and transplant by mid-July. I’ve found that container cabbage matures 1–2 weeks earlier than in-ground crops because pots warm up faster in the sun.