First, pay attention to the diameter of the stem. The thicker it is the better and stronger is the plant. If it is straight, then cabbage seedlings are diving, i.e. its roots grew well. If the stem is twisted this means that the seedlings grew up in a box without thinning. Such cabbage seedlings will take longer to settle down and to straighten the stem leaves it needs one or one and a half a week.


The second indicator is the roots and the soak of the plants. The bigger and thicker it is, the easier and faster sprouts take root and give a good crop of cabbage. Take 2-3 bushes and shake them gently. If the soil remained on the roots - the soak is good.

Generally, cabbage seedlings can be divided into 5 grades by external features:


Grade   Thickness of stem (mm)      Roots

I                8-10                                            powerful

II              6-8                                                large

III            4-6                                               medium

IV            3-4                                                    rare

V              2-3                                              thread-like

Often unscrupulous vendors lure buyers with tall seedlings. If, however, from roots to the first leaves it is 25 cm or more this indicates that the plants did not have enough light and they are stretched and weakened.

On the contrary, do not assume that cabbage seedlings grew over when it is high, it has lots of leaves and they are saturated with the green color and have a thick stem. And do not be afraid to buy seedlings with the caught in the frost leaves. Such cabbage easily endures the return of spring frosts and autumn morning frosts and will produce a good harvest.

Avoid those vendors whose cabbage sprouts are wrapped so that it is impossible to untie them on-site. It seems that they hide the bad roots and a weak stem.

If cabbage seedlings are packed in a plastic bag, try to plant it faster and dig it in the soil, otherwise the plants may suffocate. Also in no case place the seedlings of cabbage in water. Better grab a damp cloth and thick paper for the transportation of the cabbage. Put the plants leaving a space between them, not pulling them, then put them in a cool place where they can be stored up to 10 days, if necessary. While buying seedlings, you should pay attention to the soil, where the cabbage seedlings were grown. If it is black, loose and fertile, make sure you put it in the same hole while planting, or in the less fertile soil the cabbage will take root badly.

Now you know how to grow a cabbage to produce a good crop - it all starts with the selection of seedlings.