How to Make a Cabbage Plant Form Firm Heads

Cabbage plants produce heads, which are balls of tightly layered leaves. During the growing season, the plant exerts energy on head formation instead of seed and flower formation. Edible cabbages will form heads naturally and without interference, but there are steps you can take to ensure the cabbage has the best chance of forming a firm head. Harvesting mature cabbage heads when they become firm will prevent them from splitting and rotting.

Instructions

- 1
  Select cabbage varieties that are resistant to wilt and rot. These are common cabbage diseases that attack the leaves and kill the plant before the heads have a chance to form.
- 2
  Start cabbage indoors two to three weeks before the last frost of spring and transplant them to the garden after the last frost. Starting them outdoors and exposing them to extended cold temperatures will cause the plants to go to seed and prevent head formation.
- 3
  Space the cabbages at least 12 to 24 inches apart in the garden. If you plant them closer than that, the overcrowding can prevent head formation.
- 4
  Remove weeds throughout the growing season so the plant can focus on making heads instead of on competition. Keep the soil moist to the touch with regular watering, especially in midsummer.

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