Cabbage well spaced

How to Space and Thin Cabbage for Tight Heavy Heads

ByStephen Albert

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Cabbage rewards careful spacing and thinning with dense, heavy heads full of crisp, sweet leaves. Over my 30+ years of growing cabbage in raised beds, mounded rows, and containers, I’ve found that giving each plant enough room to grow—while removing weaker seedlings—makes the difference between loose, lightweight heads and prize-worthy harvests.

Cabbage well spaced
Cabbage well spaced

1. Why Spacing Matters

Cabbage plants form large outer leaves that capture sunlight and funnel energy into the central head. When plants are too close, leaves compete for light and airflow is reduced, which can lead to smaller heads and higher disease risk.

My insight: In my trials, cabbages spaced properly were up to 25% heavier than those planted too close together.

2. Ideal Spacing by Variety

  • Standard Cabbage (Green, Red, Savoy): Space plants 18–24 inches apart in rows 24–36 inches apart.
  • Compact or Mini Heads: Space 12–18 inches apart in rows 18–24 inches apart.
  • Container-Grown Cabbage: One plant per 5-gallon container (minimum 12 inches deep).

3. How to Thin Cabbage Seedlings

If starting from seed directly in the garden or in seed trays:

  1. Wait until seedlings have 2–3 true leaves.
  2. Select the healthiest, strongest plant in each cluster.
  3. Snip the others at soil level with scissors—don’t pull, to avoid disturbing roots.

My insight: I always thin in the morning when temperatures are cooler, which helps plants recover faster from the disturbance.

4. Spacing Adjustments for Conditions

  • In rich soil with regular watering, you can plant slightly closer.
  • In dry or nutrient-poor soil, give extra space so roots can search for water and nutrients.

5. Benefits of Proper Spacing and Thinning

  • Produces tight, heavy heads.
  • Improves airflow, reducing the risk of fungal disease.
  • Makes watering, feeding, and harvesting easier.

My takeaway: Whether in a large garden or a small container setup, the right spacing and thinning practices are essential for top-quality cabbage. My best crops have always come from disciplined planting and early seedling management.

Cabbage Spacing Quick-Reference Chart

Cabbage TypePlant SpacingRow SpacingContainer Size
Standard Green or Red18–24 inches24–36 inches5+ gallon pot, 12–14 inches deep
Savoy18–24 inches24–36 inches5+ gallon pot, 12–14 inches deep
Compact / Mini Head12–18 inches18–24 inches3–5 gallon pot, 12 inches deep
Chinese Cabbage (Napa)12–18 inches18–24 inches3–5 gallon pot, 12 inches deep
Baby Cabbage Varieties10–12 inches18 inches3 gallon pot, 10–12 inches deep

My tip:
I space on the wider side if I know I’ll have time for side crops like lettuce between rows early in the season. Wider spacing also improves airflow, which I’ve found reduces pest pressure, especially from cabbage worms.

Stephen Albert is a horticulturist, master gardener, and certified nurseryman who has taught at the University of California for more than 25 years. He holds graduate degrees from the University of California and the University of Iowa. His books include Vegetable Garden Grower’s Guide, Vegetable Garden Almanac & Planner, Tomato Grower’s Answer Book, and Kitchen Garden Grower’s Guide. His Vegetable Garden Grower’s Masterclass is available online. Harvesttotable.com has more than 10 million visitors each year.

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