At what temperature does cabbage freeze?

Each cabbage variety reacts differently to temperature changes. Some of them withstand the onset of frost without damage, others cannot withstand even a slight cold snap without additional protection. The conditions for growing seedlings also play a role in the further development of the vegetable.

The article will tell you what kind of frosts cabbage can withstand, whether it grows after them and at what temperature it freezes.

Comfortable temperature for cabbage

Temperature that is comfortable for cabbage of any variety and ripening period:

• seeds germinate at a temperature of +20...+22°C for 3-5 days;
• those sown at +16...+18°C will sprout within 5-10 days, but such sprouts are not resistant to blackleg and fusarium;
• when the first growth points appear, the seedlings are transferred to a bright room with a temperature of +8…+12°C;
• when 1-2 true leaves appear, the temperature is increased to +16...+18°C;
• the formation of the first leaves occurs even at +7...+10°C, however, such heads of cabbage set poorly and go into flowering in the first year of development;
• 5-7 days after picking the seedlings, the time for hardening comes - the seedlings are taken out onto the street or balcony and kept for 1-3 hours daily at a temperature not lower than +6...+8°C;
• cabbage seedlings planted in open ground develop correctly at +12…+22°C;
• mature, formed heads of cabbage gain juiciness at a stable +15…+20°C;
• early ripening varieties and hybrids ripen at +16…+22°C.

On the first day after seed germination, at an air temperature of more than +15°C, the sprouts become very elongated and become unusable.

What temperature can cabbage withstand in the garden in autumn?

Hardened seedlings of late-ripening white and red cabbage planted in the ground can withstand frosts down to -5...-7°C, depending on the variety. For plants unprepared for cold weather, lowering the temperature to -5°C will be disastrous.

Seedlings of the following crops cannot tolerate frosts below -2…-5°C:

• ultra-early varieties of white cabbage;
• Savoy;
• Chinese;
• early varieties of kohlrabi.

On the vine

The optimal temperature for the growth of rooted cabbage is considered to be +16..+22°C. A decrease to +8°C does not in any way affect the growth and ripening of the head of cabbage.

Reference. Heads of cabbage of late ripening, collected before the onset of frosts down to -1...-3°C, are significantly inferior in taste quality and have a shorter shelf life compared to that stated in the characteristics.

At what temperature does cabbage stop growing?

The growth of heads of cabbage in open ground is affected by both a decrease and an increase in ambient temperature:

• at +5…+8°C growth slows down, it is recommended to reduce watering;
• at +2…+5°C metabolic processes slow down and development stops;
• at 0…+2°C the leaves may turn yellow and growth stops.

Cabbage does not tolerate prolonged exposure to ambient temperatures exceeding +25°C. When hot weather sets in, the heads of cabbage stop developing and may die. To preserve the harvest, it is recommended to pay special attention to watering and shade the plantings at this time.

Is cabbage afraid of frost?

Spring frosts are called return frosts and can affect:

• on cabbage seedlings in the phase of 1-2 true leaves - do not lead to damage to the plant, but weaken its immunity to diseases;
• in the phase of 2-4 leaves - if exposed for more than 8 hours, they cause harm and cause yellowing;
• unhardened seedlings planted in the ground - in the absence of protection, they cause severe damage, including the death of the plants.

Autumn frosts do not cause significant harm to mid- and late-ripening cabbage. Frost-resistant varieties can withstand temperatures down to -8°C.

Important! Non-frost-resistant cabbage of early ripening, planted in the second half of summer, will die without additional protection when autumn frosts occur.

Ways to protect cabbage from frost

There are several proven methods to protect cabbage from frost:

1. Thermal insulation. The following are used as a heat-retaining agent:
   • non-woven covering material – has different degrees of density, designed to protect against cold down to -10°C;
   • a transparent glass or cut plastic bottle - retains heat down to -6...-8°C, but requires regular ventilation;
   • cardboard, paper, fabric - used when the temperature drops to no more than -2...-4°C.
2. Sprinkling. This is done by pouring soil around the plants and evenly spraying the leaves. When cold sets in, the water starts freeze solid with the release of thermal energy that protects the plantings. The method is effective at temperatures down to -2...-4°C, but its use in the presence of winds of more than 10-15 m/s leads to the opposite result - the leaves freeze and die.
3. Smoke. It involves fumigating plants with smoke from fires built around the perimeter of the site. Protects against freezing at 0...-2°C, but is a fire hazard. Ineffective in windy weather.

The frost resistance of cabbage before autumn frosts increases naturally with the timely application of phosphorus-potassium fertilizers, such as AVA Universal, potassium monophosphate or agrophosphate, 15-30 days after planting seedlings.

Read also:

What to do with frozen cabbage and can it be salted?

Comfortable conditions for long-term storage of crops in autumn

Long-term storage mid-late and late varieties and hybrids are subject to white cabbage And red cabbage cabbage For these species, harvesting occurs at the end of September - beginning of October, after the onset of the first frost, but not more than -1..-3°C.

To preserve the heads of cabbage, it is recommended to observe the following conditions:

• start collecting ripe forks in dry weather;
• cut at the root with a sharp knife, remove excess leaves;
• be sure to dry the head of cabbage in the sun, hanging or on a wooden floor;
• inspect for damaged or frozen areas - such cabbage is stored separately and eaten first.

The integrity of the heads of cabbage is preserved in the refrigerator at a temperature of +2...+6°C for 3-4 months, and storage of the harvest until the summer of next year is possible only at 0...+1°C in a specially prepared room.

In winter, it is recommended to pre-treat it with antifungal drugs “Anti-Mold” or “Sanatex” or carry out sulfur fumigation.

Important! Frozen heads of cabbage are susceptible to the development of spot necrosis and fungal diseases and are not suitable for storage for more than 1 month.

Conclusion

How many degrees cabbage can withstand frost depends on the variety. The most resistant are mid- and late-ripening ones.To increase frost resistance, it is necessary to harden the seedlings and carry out timely feeding of the plant. A harvest grown with care will last well until next summer.