Why Do Cabbage Heads Split?

24.02.2024 - 16:34 / gardenerspath.com / Heather Buckner

Try These Fixes if Cabbage Heads Split

Have you ever had a head of cabbage in your garden that seemed to be growing healthy and large, only to notice one day that it had started to split open?

What causes this to happen? And what can home gardeners do to avoid damage to their crop?

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Read on to find out why heads may crack, learn preventative measures, and pick up the best tips to keep in mind so you’ll know what to do when it happens.

Splitting or cracking is an issue that typically occurs later in the season, once cabbage heads have started firming up.

It often happens after a period of dry weather followed by a heavy rain. Thirsty roots quickly drink up the excess moisture in the soil, which builds pressure inside the tightly bound foliage that causes heads to crack.

This is especially true for mature crops that are left in the ground too long, as full-sized dense and heavy heads are more likely to break open under excess pressure.

As a general rule of thumb, you should aim to pick yours when the leaves have formed into a tight, firm ball that’s about the size of a softball.

The time to harvest varies by variety. Some cultivars are ready in just 60 or 70 days, while others may take longer to mature. Be sure to check the seed packet for specifics on the type you are growing.

Over-fertilization may be another culprit. If you feed your plants after the heads have started forming, this can cause rapid internal leaf growth, which will create pressure from within that can lead to cracking.

The key to prevention is to keep moisture levels consistent.

Water your crop regularly,