Double harvest from cabbages?

[Winged one]

Morning all, I hope some of the wiser heaads can help with this one.

I will have to cut some of my spring cabbage in the next few weeks it is growing so well and needs a bit of thinning. But as it is so early, I was wondering if I could get a second harvest from it? I thought I had heard somewhere before about leaving the stem and root in the ground, but can't remember if a cross needed to be cut into the stem? And that 4 small heads would eventually appear? The thinking being that by the time these second helping appear, all of the original plants would be eaten so thinning wouldn't be an issue.

Wings

[SarzWix]

I'm trying that myself this year - I've cut a cross in the top of the leftover stem. Nothing is happening so far though!

[piskieinboots]

could you not pick the spring cabbages as leaves rather than full head, thus leaving the main growy thing in place?

[Janco]

I have had 4 pickings from my spring cabbage (under cover). I have been taking the leaves and leaving the central part and they quickly grow again.

[Flummery]

I take outer leaves initially but now the cabbages are getting big (global warming?) I've cut one and cut a cross in the stem. It may well be March before much comes through though - but it's an extra crop-ette when times are hard!

[Winged one]

Never thought of just taking leaves - that certainly sounds like a reasonable idea for starters. I don't have much for spring harvesting, that's why I was thinking some extra value for my cabbages (especially as I had to buy in plants this year - seeds failed) would be useful.

Thanks again - I knew I'd get good advice as always.

[piskieinboots]

good advice as always.

I didn't know about cutting and putting cross in top for another growth - excellent advice

[rustylady]

Cut the head and cut the cross in the remaining stalk - they will re-shoot and you should have tiny tender baby spring cabbages.

[Cutecumber]

I take outer leaves initially but now the cabbages are getting big (global warming?)

I could do with some global warming down here! My spring cabbages have suffered heavy frosts, gales, torrential rain... the works.

I am holding out for just one cabbage!

Thank the Lord for Purple Sprouting Broccoli!

[Flummery]

I've never had spring cabbages so bit at this stage of the year though. They ususally grow a bit, coast until Feb/March then get plump and get cut. These whoppers are having to be taken in hand - I have asumed it's because the weather has been so mild - we've only had one frost here so far - that they have got to full size early.

[raine]

I have heard this from some of the old boys down the allotment. Haven'y tried it myself (mainly cos i have no spring cabbages!) but I'll certainly keep an eye on your progress!

[Flummery]

It works with summer cabbages too.