Did you know you can regrow a whole cabbage plant from kitchen scraps? It’s true! With a little patience and proper care, the leftover base of a store-bought cabbage can sprout new leaves and grow into a healthy head. This is one of the easiest and most sustainable gardening hacks—perfect for beginners or anyone wanting to grow food from waste.
Here’s a complete, step-by-step guide to turning your cabbage scraps into a new harvest.
Choosing and Preparing the Cabbage Base
Start with a fresh, healthy cabbage. Cut off the base about 2 inches thick from the bottom of the head. Make sure the base is firm and not dried out. Avoid any that show signs of rot or fungus.
Rinse it gently to remove any dirt and prepare it for re-rooting. You can begin the regrowing process in water or soil, depending on what materials you have at home.
Regrowing in Water (Initial Stage)
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Place the cabbage base in a shallow bowl of water, just enough to cover the bottom (about 1 inch deep).
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Keep the bowl near a sunny window or balcony where it receives 4–5 hours of indirect sunlight.
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Change the water every 2–3 days to prevent bacteria or mold.
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In 7–10 days, small roots will appear at the bottom, and new leaves will start sprouting from the center.
Once the roots are around 1–2 inches long, your cabbage is ready to move to soil.
Transplanting into Soil
Prepare a medium-sized pot (10–12 inches deep) with good drainage. Fill it with a mix of:
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50% garden soil
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30% compost or cow dung manure
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20% cocopeat or sand
Plant the cabbage base about halfway into the soil, ensuring the growing shoots are above ground. Press the soil lightly around the base and water thoroughly.
Place the pot in a sunny location that gets at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. In cooler climates, cabbage grows even faster, producing lush green leaves.
Watering and Feeding
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water every 2–3 days, depending on the weather.
Feed your cabbage plant every 15 days with organic compost tea or vermicompost to boost leaf development.
Avoid overfertilizing with nitrogen—it encourages too many loose leaves and delays head formation.
Timeline for Growth
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Week 1–2: Roots and new leaves start forming.
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Week 3–4: Strong roots and visible leaf growth appear.
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Week 5–6: Outer leaves expand and the central head begins to form.
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Week 8–10: The cabbage reaches full size and is ready for harvest.
The exact time may vary slightly based on sunlight and temperature, but you can expect a full harvest in around 2–2.5 months.
Pest and Disease Control
Cabbage is prone to aphids, caterpillars, and whiteflies. Prevent these naturally by:
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Spraying neem oil weekly (5 ml per liter of water).
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Growing garlic or marigold nearby to repel pests.
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Keeping the area clean and removing any yellowing leaves immediately.
Good airflow and moderate watering prevent fungal issues like root rot or mildew.
Harvesting Your Cabbage
Your cabbage is ready for harvest when the head feels firm and compact when pressed.
Use a sharp knife to cut it just above the soil line, leaving the roots in the pot—new side shoots may appear for a smaller second harvest!
Harvest early in the morning for best freshness and store the heads in a cool, dry place or refrigerator for up to a week.
Conclusion
Regrowing cabbage from kitchen scraps is a fun, eco-friendly way to grow your own vegetables while reducing waste. With only a few simple steps, you can transform leftovers into a thriving plant that keeps giving back.
It’s proof that sustainability and gardening can go hand in hand—even from something as ordinary as a cabbage base sitting in your kitchen.
FAQs
How long does it take to regrow cabbage from scraps?
It takes around 8–10 weeks from the scrap stage to harvest.
Can I regrow cabbage in water only?
You can start in water, but for full growth and a harvestable head, transfer it to soil after roots form.
How much sunlight does cabbage need?
At least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily ensures firm, healthy heads.
Can I regrow cabbage multiple times?
Yes, after the first harvest, side shoots may regrow for a smaller second yield.
What is the best fertilizer for regrown cabbage?
Use organic compost or vermicompost every 15 days to support continuous leaf and head growth.