Cabbage 'Duncan'

Where to Plant

Choose a sunny, sheltered position with fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil. Cabbages grow best in firm ground with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Prepare the bed with well-rotted garden compost before planting.

When to Plant

'Duncan' can be planted in spring for summer harvests or in late summer to early autumn for overwintering and harvesting the following spring. Exact timings depend on local conditions and the stage of growth of the plants supplied.

Planting Your Cabbages

Water the plants before planting and harden off any that have been grown under protection. Plant firmly into prepared soil, keeping the rootball at approximately the same depth as it was growing previously. Space plants around 30cm apart, with 30–40cm between rows, and water thoroughly.

Growing in Containers & Raised Beds

Grow individual cabbages in deep containers at least 30cm wide, with drainage holes and good-quality peat-free multipurpose compost. In raised beds, ensure the soil is fertile and retains moisture without becoming waterlogged. Allow enough room for the outer leaves to develop.

Watering & Feeding

Water regularly while plants establish and during dry spells, particularly as the heads develop. Keep the soil evenly moist and apply a suitable vegetable fertiliser if the soil is lacking nutrients. Container-grown plants may need more frequent watering and feeding.

Protecting Your Plants

Cover cabbages with fine insect-proof mesh to help protect against cabbage white butterflies and their caterpillars. Secure the edges and support the mesh above the foliage. Protect young plants from pigeons and check regularly for slugs, snails and aphids. Cabbage collars can help reduce damage from cabbage root fly.

Overwintering

Established plants are hardy, but good drainage is important during wet winters. In exposed gardens or during prolonged severe weather, horticultural fleece can provide additional protection. Check for plants loosened by frost or wind and firm them back into the soil.

Good Companions

Onions, garlic, beetroot and leafy salads can share a vegetable bed with cabbages, provided each crop has enough space, light and nutrients. Flowering plants such as calendula can attract beneficial insects nearby, although companion planting does not replace protection against cabbage pests.

Planning Your Vegetable Bed

Growing cabbages alongside other brassicas, such as broccoli, cauliflower and kale, makes it easier to protect the whole area under insect-proof mesh. Avoid positioning taller crops where they will shade developing cabbages.

Crop Rotation

Move cabbages and other brassicas to a different growing area each year. Where possible, leave at least three years before returning brassicas to the same bed to help reduce the build-up of soil-borne diseases such as clubroot. Include broccoli, cauliflower, kale, Brussels sprouts and turnips when planning your rotation.

When to Harvest

Spring-planted cabbages can be ready for harvesting in summer, while plants established in late summer or early autumn can provide spring greens and mature pointed heads the following spring. Exact harvest times depend on planting dates and growing conditions.

Harvesting Spring Greens

For spring greens, harvest the tender, loose leaves before the cabbage develops a firm heart. Cut young plants when the leaves are large enough to use, or carefully pick a few outer leaves while allowing the plant to continue growing.

Harvesting Mature Cabbages

Allow the pointed heads to develop until they feel firm and well filled. Cut through the stem just below the head using a sharp knife. Harvest promptly once mature, as leaving fully developed heads standing for too long can increase the risk of splitting.

Top Tip

If you're growing several plants, harvest some young for tender greens and leave others to form full pointed heads. It's a useful way to enjoy different harvests from the same variety.

Fresh Salads & Coleslaw

Finely shred the crisp pointed hearts for homemade coleslaw, salads and sandwich fillings. Their sweet, slightly nutty flavour works particularly well with grated carrots, spring onions and light dressings.

Steaming & Stir-Frying

Slice the leaves into ribbons and cook briefly until tender. Try steaming with butter and black pepper or stir-frying with garlic and ginger. Young spring greens are particularly good cooked this way.

Roasting

Cut mature cabbage hearts into wedges, brush lightly with oil and roast until tender with lightly browned edges. Roasting brings out their natural sweetness.

Storing Your Harvest

Fresh cabbage is best enjoyed soon after picking. Store whole heads in the fridge, ideally in the vegetable drawer, and wash the leaves just before use. Refrigerate cut cabbage and use it promptly for the best flavour and texture.

Choosing Your Cabbage Plants

'Duncan' is available as young plug plants and established 9cm potted plants. Both produce the same variety, but arrive at different stages of development, so you can choose the format that best suits your growing plans.

Plug Plants

Plug plants are young cabbages supplied with small, established rootballs. They may need growing on before planting outdoors. Pot them individually into small pots of multipurpose compost if necessary, keeping them in a bright, cool, protected position until they are well rooted and growing strongly.

9cm Potted Plants

These are more established young cabbages supplied in individual 9cm nursery pots. They can generally be planted directly into their final growing positions when the soil and weather conditions are suitable. Water before planting and handle the rootballs carefully.

Looking After Plants on Arrival

Unpack plants promptly, check whether they need watering and keep them in a bright, sheltered position. Gradually harden off plants grown under protection before planting outdoors. Protect young cabbages from severe frost, strong winds and pests while they establish.