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Pruning guide

How to prune cabbage

Best time
Harvest the main head when firm and solid; cut side shoots in the weeks following
How often
Once at harvest; side-shoot harvest as available
Technique
Cut the main head cleanly at the base with a sharp knife, leaving the outer leaves and stump. Score a 1 cm deep X into the stump cut-face. Side shoots develop in 4–6 weeks; harvest when they reach tennis-ball size.

More cabbage care

Pruning cabbage — FAQ

When should I prune cabbage?

Harvest the main head when firm and solid; cut side shoots in the weeks following. Cut the main head cleanly at the base with a sharp knife, leaving the outer leaves and stump. Score a 1 cm deep X into the stump cut-face. Side shoots develop in 4–6 weeks; harvest when they reach tennis-ball size.

How often does cabbage need pruning?

Once at harvest; side-shoot harvest as available. Cabbage does not require pruning in the traditional sense. After you cut the main head, leave the stump in the ground: cut a shallow X into the stump top and it will produce 2–4 smaller side heads. Remove yellowing outer leaves throughout growth to improve airflow and reduce slug habitat. No other cutting is needed.

How do you prune cabbage?

Cut the main head cleanly at the base with a sharp knife, leaving the outer leaves and stump. Score a 1 cm deep X into the stump cut-face. Side shoots develop in 4–6 weeks; harvest when they reach tennis-ball size.