Crop Profile for Cabbage in North Carolina
Prepared: January 1999
Revised: November 1999, June 2005
General Production Information
. North Carolina ranked fifth nationally in the production of cabbage in 2003, representing 8.1 percent of U. S. production.
. In 2003, 7,700 acres of cabbage were harvested in North Carolina.
. In 2003, 1,656,000 cwt. of cabbage were produced in North Carolina for a value of $18,216,000.
. About 90 percent of the cabbage produced commercially in North Carolina is sold for fresh-market consumption.
Production Regions
Cabbage is grown in most of the state’s counties, but commercial production is concentrated primarily in northeastern
North Carolina (Pasquotank County). Some commercial production also occurs in the southeastern (Columbus and
Robeson counties) and northwestern (Alleghany and Ashe counties) regions of North Carolina.
Cultural Practices
Cabbage can be grown in a wide variety of soil types but prefers well-drained soil with an optimum pH between 6.0 and 6.5.
In North Carolina, there are spring and fall cabbage production seasons. High-quality, certified transplants and seeds are
often used to establish the spring (February planting) and fall (July to August planting) crops, respectively. Irrigation is
highly desirable for establishing a good stand after direct seeding or transplanting. However, poor water quality (i.e.,
high soluble salts, particularly sodium) in certain production areas in eastern North Carolina limits this practice. Most
growers practice a two- to three-year rotation out of cabbage and other related crucifer crops (e.g., Brussels sprouts,
broccoli, cauliflower, collards, kale, mustard, oilseed rape, rutabagas, and turnips) and sample their soils for
nematodes, nutrients, and pH. In general, fungicide and herbicide use on cabbage in North Carolina is minimal due to
low disease pressure and effective cultural practices that are commonly employed for weed management. The
greatest challenge facing cabbage growers in North Carolina is insect management.
Worker Activities
