How to Grow Cabbage in South Carolina

Choose a cultivar with a proven record of success in South Carolina. Popular choices include "Bravo," "Market Prize" and "Savoy Express."

Plant early in spring to take advantage of the cool temperatures. South Carolina's spring heats up fast, and the cabbage needs to be harvested before it gets too hot. Daytime growing temperatures of 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit are ideal; cabbage can withstand 18 to 20 degrees F, but too much time in temperatures under 50 degrees F will hurt the plant.

Choose a precise planting date based on your exact location within South Carolina. If you are in the Piedmont area, in the northwest part of the state, put cabbage transplants in the spring garden from Feb. 15 to April 15 and in July for fall gardens. If in the Central area, plant from Jan. 15 to March 1 for spring and from July 25 to Aug. 10 for fall. The Coastal region planting dates are from Dec. 1 to Jan. 15 for spring and Aug. 1 to 15 for fall.

Fertilize once during the growing season by adding 33-0-0 at 1/4 pound per 25 feet of cabbage rows when the cabbage is about halfway to maturity, or 30 to 40 days after planting. Cabbage needs this extra nitrogen during this time of development to fully mature.

Water cabbage plants deeply in the morning. The top 6 inches of soil should be moist at each watering; watering too lightly encourages shallow roots. Giving the foliage time to dry before nightfall decreases the risk of disease.

Weed around the plants carefully since cabbage has shallow roots that can be disturbed by cultivating the soil too deeply. Hand weed as much as possible and don't disturb the soil deeper than 2 inches.

Harvest your cabbage 60 to 80 days after planting. Look for the heads to be firm before cutting them from the plant. Get mature cabbage out of the sun immediately to avoid blistering and splitting in the strong South Carolina sun. Store in the refrigerator at 34 degrees F and 98 percent humidity for up to five months.