How to Grow Cabbage in New Zealand
Updated June 2026
Net or cover seedlings against white butterfly from the day they go in. Steady water and feeding give firm, well-filled heads.
What it looks like as it grows
When to plant cabbage in New Zealand
Timing is everything in New Zealand, where the warm north and the cooler south are weeks apart. Sow or plant in these months for your region:
| Region | When to sow or plant |
|---|---|
| Northland | January, February, March, August, September, October, November |
| Auckland | January, February, March, August, September, October, November |
| Waikato & BoP | January, February, March, August, September, October, November |
| Wellington | January, February, March, August, September, October, November |
| Nelson & Marlborough | January, February, March, August, September, October, November |
| Canterbury | January, February, March, August, September, October, November |
| Otago & Southland | January, February, March, August, September, October, November |
| Central Otago | January, February, March, August, September, October, November |
Best cabbage varieties for NZ
- Golden Acre, Fast compact round cabbage with dense crunchy hearts, good for small gardens. (Kings Seeds, Mitre 10)
- Sugarloaf, Sweet early conical cabbage that prefers cooler conditions. (Kings Seeds, Yates NZ)
- Red Drumhead, Solid purple-red cabbage for slaws and pickling, stores well. (Egmont Seeds, Kings Seeds)
How to grow cabbage
- Space plants about 50cm apart.
- Sow seed around 1cm deep.
- Position: full sun.
- Ready to harvest in roughly 90 days.
- Seeds germinate in about 8 days.
Companion planting
Grow cabbage near: Beetroot, Onion, Dill, Celery, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme, Chamomile, Nasturtium.
Pests and problems
Watch for: White butterfly, Aphids, Diamondback moth. See our NZ pest and disease guide for organic control.
When it goes wrong
The most common ways cabbage trips people up, and what to change next time:
Heads split open
A growth surge after rain following a dry spell. Keep water even and harvest split-prone heads promptly.
Holes in the leaves
White butterfly caterpillars. Net early, or check under leaves for eggs and grubs.
Stunted with knobbly roots
Clubroot. Lift and bin affected plants, lime the soil, and do not grow brassicas there for a few years.
🌱 Plant Cabbage in your garden →FAQ
When is the best time to plant cabbage in New Zealand?
In the warm north (Auckland, Northland) sow in January, February, March, August, September, October, November. Cooler regions plant a little later. Check the table above for your region.
Where can I buy cabbage seeds or plants in NZ?
Try Kings Seeds, Mitre 10, Yates NZ.