By now, your cabbage seedlings have emerged and are growing steadily — but the real success of your crop hinges on how well you manage this next phase. Proper seedling care sets the foundation for strong vegetative growth, while careful transplanting ensures your plants can thrive in the soil they’ll call home.
Caring for Cabbage Seedlings
At this stage, you’ll see:
- The first true leaves forming (not the round cotyledons)
- A visible central stem strengthening
- Roots beginning to fill their container
Key care tips:
- Provide 12–14 hours of light daily (use grow lights if needed)
- Water consistently — keep soil moist, but never soggy
- Ensure proper airflow to avoid mold or leggy growth
- Begin feeding with a diluted liquid fertilizer once a week
Check if it’s time to transplant: seedlings should be about 4–5 inches tall, with at least 2–3 true leaves, and roots gently holding the soil in the pot.
Transplanting Cabbage Seedlings
Before transplanting, harden off your seedlings over 5–7 days:
- Start by placing them outdoors for a few hours each day, increasing exposure gradually
- Protect from strong wind or direct midday sun during this phase
Transplanting tips:
- Space cabbage 12–18 inches apart in rows 18–24 inches apart
- Bury the seedlings up to their first true leaves
- Water thoroughly after transplanting
- Apply mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds
Transplant on a cloudy day or late afternoon to reduce shock. Avoid disturbing the roots — cabbage doesn’t like surprises!
AiFarming makes it simple: Our transplant tracker times your hardening-off schedule, provides spacing diagrams, and gives you post-transplant care reminders. You’ll never miss a step between seedling and field.