How to grow cabbage in pots

I want to grow cabbage in pots. Could you please guide me on how to grow it successfully?

Le Thi Luyen (Nguyet Hoa Ward)

Cabbage is relatively easy to grow and yields well if properly cared for. First, for cabbage to grow well, you need to prepare nutrient-rich, loose, and well-draining soil. The ideal pH is 6.5-6.8. You can mix your own soil by using a ratio of 4 parts clean soil, 3 parts vermicompost, 2 parts coconut coir, and 1 part burnt rice husk. Adding the antagonistic fungus Trichoderma is recommended to control fungal diseases and increase soil fertility. If you want to save time, you can use organic soil specifically designed for leafy vegetables.

The planting pot should have a minimum diameter and depth of 20cm, and the bottom of the pot needs drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. For round pots, only one plant should be grown per pot for optimal corn growth.

Before sowing, seeds should be soaked in warm water for 4-6 hours, then wrapped in a damp cloth for another 8 hours. When the seeds germinate, sow them in seed trays or plastic cups containing growing medium. Sow 1-2 seeds per hole, cover with a thin layer of soil, and water gently.

After 2-3 weeks, seedlings will have 2 true leaves. Weak plants should be thinned out, keeping only the healthy ones. When the plants reach a height of 7-10cm and have 5-6 true leaves, they can be transplanted into permanent pots. Place the pots in a location with at least 4 hours of direct sunlight per day. When planting, fill the pot with soil up to the base of the true leaves to ensure the plant stands firmly. Then water thoroughly to help the plant quickly establish roots.

In the initial stage, water regularly in the early morning and late afternoon. As the plants grow, this can be reduced to once a day. About 15 days after planting, begin supplementing with organic fertilizers such as vermicompost, well-rotted chicken manure, or goat manure, every 15 days. You can also combine this with watering with rice water or other homemade organic fertilizers to promote healthy plant growth. Around 40-50 days after planting, the plants begin to grow vigorously; it's necessary to mound the soil around the base, remove weeds, and mulch with straw to retain moisture. This is also when the cabbage heads begin to form, so ensure adequate water and nutrients.

To prevent pests and diseases, regularly clean the growing area and remove old and diseased leaves. Some common pests include cabbage worms, green caterpillars, flea beetles, and diseases such as soft rot, leaf spot, and root swelling. Depending on the variety, cabbage can be harvested after 80-180 days from sowing. Harvesting should be done in the early morning or late afternoon to ensure the cabbage retains its crispness, sweetness, and best quality.

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Source: https://baovinhlong.com.vn/kinh-te/202605/nha-nong-tim-hieu-cach-trong-bap-cai-trong-chau-c710bea/