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Cabbage Microgreens

Brassica oleracea var. capitata

Extremely uniform small heads with good wrapper leaves. Inner leaves are tender, crunchy, and have an excellent, sweet, mild cabbage flavor. Perfect for summer salads, slaws, or cooked dishes. In the UK, they are harvested early in the season, before they have fully headed, and sold as "spring greens." Avg. head weight: 1 1/2-2 lb. Also available in organic seed.

Harvest

68d

Days to harvest

📅

Sun

Full sun to partial shade

☀️

Zones

6–9

USDA hardiness

🗺️

Height

10-24 inches

📏

Planting Timeline

Zone:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Start Indoors

Harvest

Start Indoors

Harvest

Showing dates for Cabbage Microgreens in USDA Zone 7

All Zone 7 microgreen →

Zone Map

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Cabbage Microgreens · Zones 6–9

What grows well in Zone 7? →

Growing Details

Difficulty

Easy

SpacingDense sowing, 1-2 tablespoons per 10x20 tray

SoilFine potting mix or coconut coir growing medium

pH6.0-7.5

WaterMist 2-3 times daily, maintain consistent moisture

SeasonWarm season annual

FlavorMild cabbage taste, fresh and crisp with slight peppery finish

ColorBright green with purple stems

Size1 1/2-2 lb.

Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar

Zone	Indoor Start	Transplant	Direct Sow	Harvest
Zone 3	January – December	—	—	January – December
Zone 4	January – December	—	—	January – December
Zone 5	January – December	—	—	January – December
Zone 6	January – December	—	—	January – December
Zone 7	January – December	—	—	January – December
Zone 8	January – December	—	—	January – December
Zone 9	January – December	—	—	January – December
Zone 10	January – December	—	—	January – December

Complete Growing Guide

Light: Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day), Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours). Soil: Clay, Loam (Silt), Sand. Soil pH: Acid (<6.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist. Height: 0 ft. 10 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 1 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 12 inches-3 feet. Growth rate: Medium. Maintenance: Medium. Propagation: Seed, Stem Cutting. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.

Harvesting

The fruits dry and split when ripe.

Color: Brown/Copper, Green. Type: Siliqua. Length: > 3 inches.

Garden value: Edible

Harvest time: Fall, Summer

Bloom time: Spring, Summer

Edibility: The foliage is edible raw or cooked but when cooked can emit an unpleasant odor.

Storage & Preservation

Fresh cabbage microgreens store best when completely dry and refrigerated immediately after harvest. Gently rinse if needed and spin dry in a salad spinner or pat with paper towels. Store in breathable containers like perforated plastic bags or containers with paper towels to absorb excess moisture.

Properly stored cabbage microgreens maintain peak quality for 7-10 days in the refrigerator at 35-40°F. Unlike mature vegetables, microgreens don't preserve well through traditional methods like canning or drying, as their delicate structure breaks down quickly.

For longer storage, freezing works for cooked applications. Blanch quickly in boiling water for 30 seconds, shock in ice water, drain thoroughly, and freeze in portion-sized bags. Frozen microgreens work well in smoothies, soups, or stir-fries but lose their crisp texture. The best preservation method is succession planting – start new trays every 4-5 days for continuous fresh harvests.

History & Origin

Cabbage microgreens represent a modern application of an ancient vegetable with over 4,000 years of cultivation history. Wild cabbage (Brassica oleracea) originated along the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts of Europe, where it grew as a hardy perennial on seaside cliffs.

The concept of harvesting young brassica shoots isn't new – European peasants historically gathered young cabbage and other brassica leaves during spring famines when food was scarce. However, the commercial microgreen industry began in the 1980s when specialty chefs in San Francisco started using tiny greens as garnishes.

Cabbage microgreens gained popularity as the microgreen movement expanded beyond restaurants into home kitchens during the 2000s. Their reliable germination, fast growth, and familiar flavor made them ideal for introducing newcomers to microgreen growing. Today's cabbage microgreen varieties are typically grown from standard cabbage cultivars rather than specially bred microgreen varieties, though seed companies now offer mixes optimized for microgreen production.

The nutritional density discovery – that microgreens can contain 4-40 times more nutrients than mature plants – sparked scientific interest and home growing enthusiasm, making cabbage microgreens a gateway crop for urban agriculture and health-conscious consumers.

Advantages

+Attracts: The foliage is edible raw or cooked but when cooked can emit an unpleasant odor.
+Wildlife value: It serves as a host plant for butterflies, moths, flies, sawflies and beetles.
+Edible: The foliage is edible raw or cooked but when cooked can emit an unpleasant odor.

Companion Plants

Plant Together

Dill

Attracts beneficial insects like parasitic wasps that control cabbage pests

Onion

Repels cabbage worms, aphids, and flea beetles with strong sulfur compounds

Garlic

Natural fungicide properties and deters cabbage moths and root maggots

Chamomile

Improves soil health and may enhance growth and flavor of brassicas

Nasturtium

Acts as trap crop for aphids and flea beetles, protecting cabbage microgreens

Thyme

Repels cabbage worms and flea beetles while attracting beneficial predatory insects

Marigold

Deters nematodes and various pests with natural compounds in roots and foliage

Lettuce

Compatible growing conditions and may help utilize space efficiently

Keep Apart

Tomato

May inhibit brassica growth through allelopathic compounds and compete for nutrients

Strawberry

Can harbor pests that also attack brassicas and may compete for growing space

Rue

Produces allelopathic compounds that can stunt growth of brassica family plants

Nutrition Facts

Calories

25kcal(1%)

Protein

1.28g(3%)

Fiber

2.5g(9%)

Carbs

5.8g(2%)

Fat

0.1g(0%)

Vitamin C

36.6mg(41%)

Vitamin A

5mcg(1%)

Vitamin K

76mcg(63%)

Iron

0.47mg(3%)

Calcium

40mg(3%)

Potassium

170mg(4%)

Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #169975)

Pests & Disease Resistance

Resistance

Resistant to most diseases when grown in clean conditions

Common Pests

Fungus gnats, aphids (indoor growing)

Diseases

Damping-off from overwatering

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do cabbage microgreens take to grow?▼

Cabbage microgreens are ready to harvest in 8-12 days from seeding. Under optimal conditions with proper lighting and temperature (65-75°F), they often reach harvest size by day 8. Cooler conditions or insufficient light may extend the growing period to 12 days. They're among the fastest-growing microgreens available.

Are cabbage microgreens good for beginners?▼

Yes, cabbage microgreens are excellent for beginners due to their reliable 85-95% germination rate, tolerance for basic growing conditions, and forgiving nature. They don't require expensive equipment and grow well under simple fluorescent lights. Their fast 8-12 day growing cycle also means beginners see quick results and can learn from any mistakes rapidly.

Do I need to soak cabbage seeds before planting microgreens?▼

Soaking cabbage seeds for 4-6 hours before planting improves germination speed and uniformity, though it's not absolutely necessary. Soaked seeds typically germinate 12-24 hours faster and produce more even stands. Use cool water and avoid soaking longer than 8 hours, as this can reduce germination rates.

What do cabbage microgreens taste like?▼

Cabbage microgreens have a mild, fresh cabbage flavor with a crisp texture and slight peppery finish. They're much milder than mature cabbage, making them appealing to those who find adult cabbage too strong. The flavor is clean and bright, similar to young coleslaw without the heaviness.

Can you grow cabbage microgreens without soil?▼

Yes, cabbage microgreens grow excellently in soilless mediums like coconut coir, hemp mats, or hydroponic pads. Many growers prefer coconut coir for its clean harvesting and disease prevention benefits. Avoid heavy potting soils which can retain too much moisture and cause damping-off issues.

Why are my cabbage microgreens falling over?▼

Cabbage microgreens fall over due to insufficient light, overwatering, or overcrowding. Ensure 12-16 hours of adequate light daily, water only from the bottom when the surface feels dry, and seed at proper density covering about 75% of the growing surface. Damping-off disease from excess moisture is the most common cause.