Container Cabbage Fertilizer Master Dashboard

Soil Preparation

Current Week Recommendations

Fertilizer Details

Primary Fertilizer: Balanced NPK 10-10-10
NPK Ratio: 10-10-10
Amount: 2-3 tbsp mixed into potting soil
Application Method: Mix into soil
Frequency: One time

Nutrient Focus

Key Focus: Root establishment preparation
Secondary Nutrients: Compost 2-4 inches
Micronutrients: Calcium, Magnesium, Sulfur
Special Notes: Ensure good drainage, pH 6.0-6.5

NPK Requirements

NPK requirements chart for cabbage

Complete Fertilizer Schedule

Week Growth Stage Primary Fertilizer NPK Ratio Amount Application Method Frequency Key Focus

Nutrient Reference Guide

Nitrogen (N)

Total Season Need: 120-160 kg/ha equivalent
Peak Demand: Weeks 2-6
Container Application: Higher frequency, lower amounts
Signs of Deficiency: Yellowing older leaves, stunted growth
Signs of Excess: Excessive leaf growth, delayed heading, loose heads

Phosphorus (P)

Total Season Need: 50-100 kg/ha equivalent
Peak Demand: Transplant and head formation
Container Application: Essential at planting and week 8-10
Signs of Deficiency: Purple leaf tinge, poor root development
Signs of Excess: Reduced micronutrient uptake

Potassium (K)

Total Season Need: 180-200 kg/ha equivalent
Peak Demand: Head formation and maturation
Container Application: Increase during weeks 8-12
Signs of Deficiency: Marginal leaf necrosis, poor head quality
Signs of Excess: Reduced calcium and magnesium uptake

Calcium (Ca)

Need: Critical for head formation
Application: Calcium nitrate weekly during heading
Signs of Deficiency: Internal tipburn, loose heads
Container Note: More critical in containers due to limited soil buffer

Magnesium (Mg)

Need: 50-70 kg/ha equivalent if deficient
Application: Epsom salt foliar spray if needed
Signs of Deficiency: Interveinal chlorosis on older leaves
Container Note: Monitor pH to ensure availability

Sulfur (S)

Need: 40 kg/ha equivalent for optimal taste
Application: Sulfur-containing fertilizers weeks 8-12
Signs of Deficiency: Overall yellowing, reduced glucosinolates
Container Note: Critical for flavor development

Boron (B)

Need: 1.5 kg/ha equivalent for optimal yield
Application: Include in weeks 6-10 feeding
Signs of Deficiency: Hollow stems, poor head formation
Container Note: Often deficient in soilless mixes

Iron (Fe)

Need: Essential for chlorophyll
Application: Chelated iron if pH is high
Signs of Deficiency: Interveinal chlorosis on young leaves
Container Note: Monitor pH 6.0-6.5 for availability

Manganese (Mn)

Need: Important for enzyme function
Application: Usually adequate in balanced fertilizers
Signs of Deficiency: Interveinal chlorosis, necrotic spots
Container Note: Can be deficient in high pH conditions

Troubleshooting Guide

Head Splitting

Causes:

  • Over-fertilizing after head formation
  • Inconsistent watering
  • Heavy rain after dry period

Prevention:

  • Stop feeding when heads firm
  • Consistent moisture
  • Harvest when mature

Container Specific:

More control over watering in containers

Yellow Leaves

Causes:

  • Nitrogen deficiency
  • Overwatering
  • Natural senescence

Solutions:

  • Increase nitrogen if deficient
  • Improve drainage
  • Remove old leaves

Container Specific:

Check drainage holes, adjust feeding

Stunted Growth

Causes:

  • Container too small
  • Nutrient deficiency
  • pH imbalance

Solutions:

  • Use 5+ gallon containers
  • Regular feeding schedule
  • Test and adjust pH

Container Specific:

Root bound plants need larger containers

Loose Heads

Causes:

  • Too much nitrogen late in season
  • High temperatures
  • Inconsistent watering

Solutions:

  • Reduce nitrogen after week 8
  • Provide shade in hot weather
  • Maintain consistent moisture

Container Specific:

Easier to control in containers

Pro Tips for Container Cabbage

Maximize Size

  • Use containers 5+ gallons minimum
  • Maintain consistent nitrogen weeks 2-6
  • Ensure adequate spacing between plants
  • Apply calcium nitrate during head formation

Improve Taste

  • Apply sulfur-containing fertilizers weeks 8-12
  • Reduce nitrogen in final 4 weeks
  • Harvest in cool morning temperatures
  • Allow slight stress before harvest

Increase Yield

  • Start with quality potting mix
  • Follow feeding schedule precisely
  • Maintain pH 6.0-6.5
  • Provide consistent moisture without overwatering

Container Specific

  • Check drainage holes regularly
  • Feed more frequently but at lower concentrations
  • Monitor for root binding
  • Use quality potting mix, not garden soil

General Growing Guidelines

Container Size

Minimum 5 gallons (20+ liters)

Soil pH

6.0-6.5 for optimal nutrient availability

Watering

1-1.5 inches per week, consistent moisture

Temperature

Cool season crop, 45-75°F (7-24°C) optimal

Harvest Time

60-100 days from transplant depending on variety