Cabbage can regrow after cutting, allowing for a second, smaller harvest through simple kitchen scrap gardening. When the main head is removed, the remaining core retains the necessary biological structure and energy reserves to sprout new leaves. This method works because the plant’s core contains the central stem and dormant growth points, which are reactivated when the main head is gone. The following instructions explain how this regrowth occurs, the steps for encouraging it, and what kind of harvest you can realistically expect.
The Biological Basis for Regrowth
The ability of a cabbage core to regrow stems from a natural plant mechanism known as apical dominance. In a healthy, uncut cabbage, the primary growing point, called the apical meristem, forms the tight, compact head. This dominant growing point produces the hormone auxin, which suppresses the development of other, smaller, dormant buds lower down on the stem.
When the main cabbage head is cut and removed, the primary source of the inhibitory hormone is eliminated. This removal releases the dormant lateral buds, which are located in the leaf axils of the remaining core, from their inhibited state. These buds are rapidly activated and begin to grow outward, forming new shoots or “suckers.” The remaining core acts as a temporary energy storage unit, providing the initial fuel for this new growth.
Practical Steps for Successful Regrowing
To begin the regrowth process, prepare the core by cutting the base of the head, leaving a section approximately one to two inches high. This base should have a flat bottom and include a small number of the innermost, tightly packed leaves at the top. The freshest possible core should be used, as older cores are more likely to dry out or rot before new growth can establish.
You have the option to start the core in a shallow container of water or to plant it directly into soil. For a water start, place the core cut-side-up in a saucer or shallow bowl with about half an inch of water, ensuring only the very bottom is submerged. Change the water every two to three days to prevent the core from becoming waterlogged, which can lead to decay.
If you choose to use a potting mix, transplant the core once new roots begin to appear, which typically takes a few days to a week. Bury the core almost entirely, leaving the top layer of new or innermost leaves exposed above the soil surface. Cabbage thrives in cooler temperatures, so whether indoors on a windowsill or outdoors, place the container in an area that receives bright, indirect sunlight.
Regular moisture is important for the developing plant. If using soil, keep it consistently moist but not saturated. If the core is started in water, misting the top surface can help keep the exposed tissue hydrated and encourage the new leaf buds to emerge.
Managing Expectations for the Harvest
The regrown product will not be an exact replica of the original store-bought head. The plant will not form another large, dense, single head of cabbage. Instead, the activated lateral buds will produce multiple, smaller, and looser side shoots or a cluster of individual leaves. These new shoots are best harvested as tender cooking or salad greens, rather than waiting for them to form a tight, compact ball.
New leaves will typically begin to emerge from the center of the core within a week of starting the process. The first usable leaves can often be harvested within two to three weeks after the core is placed in water or soil.
The longevity of this process is limited because the regrowing plant is relying on the stored energy and nutrients in the small core. After one or perhaps two harvests of new leaves, the core’s energy reserves are usually depleted, and the plant will cease to produce significant new growth.
Regrowing Other Leafy Brassicas
The technique of regrowing from the core can be successfully applied to other leafy vegetables that share a similar growth structure to cabbage. Many members of the Brassica family, such as Bok Choy and Napa Cabbage, are excellent candidates for this method. These vegetables also possess a central stem structure with dormant buds that are released upon cutting the main stalk.
For Bok Choy, the process involves cutting the base of the stalk about one inch from the bottom and placing it in a shallow dish of water. New leaves will sprout from the central core and can be harvested as they reach a usable size. Napa Cabbage, also known as Chinese Cabbage, can be regrown in the same manner, producing a cluster of tender, loose leaves.
While not a true Brassica, Romaine lettuce is another common kitchen scrap that will successfully regrow using this technique because it also features a basal plate and a central growing point. In all these cases, the core provides the structural and energetic foundation for a quick crop of tender greens.