Cabbage companion plants
Cabbage (*Brassica oleracea* var. *capitata*) spends 70–120 days in the garden from transplant to harvest, and for most of that time it is a target for specialist brassica pests. The pest complex includes imported cabbageworm (*Pieris rapae*), cabbage looper (*Trichoplusia ni*), diamondback moth.
Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) spends 70–120 days in the garden from transplant to harvest, and for most of that time it is a target for specialist brassica pests. The pest complex includes imported cabbageworm (Pieris rapae), cabbage looper (Trichoplusia ni), diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella), cabbage aphid (Brevicoryne brassicae), and in warm regions, harlequin bug (Murgantia histrionica).
Companion planting for cabbage addresses this pest complex by disrupting the volatile signals pests use to locate host plants, and by supporting the parasitic insects that attack caterpillars and aphids.
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The companion planting table
| Plant | Role | Friend / Foe / Neutral | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dill (Anethum graveolens) | Attracts Cotesia glomerata (cabbageworm parasitoid) | Friend | Allow to flower near bed edges |
| Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum) | Aphidius wasp attractor for aphid control | Friend | Succession-sow every 3 weeks |
| Sweet alyssum (Lobularia maritima) | Syrphid flies predate aphids; living mulch | Friend | Row edges and paths |
| Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus) | Aphid trap crop | Friend | Upwind of cabbage; monitor weekly |
| Thyme (Thymus spp.) | Aromatic volatile confusion for cabbage moths | Friend | Row border planting |
| Sage (Salvia officinalis) | Same aromatic mechanism as thyme | Friend | Traditional kitchen garden companion |
| Rosemary | Aromatic; traditional companion | Friend (weak) | Limited experimental evidence |
| Chamomile | Calcium accumulation; anecdotal growth benefit | Neutral | Traditional; not experimentally confirmed |
| Celery | Traditional deterrent for cabbage moths | Friend (weak) | Based on tradition; limited controlled evidence |
| Marigold, French (Tagetes patula) | Beneficial insect support; nematode management | Friend | Bed perimeter |
| Beets | Compatible cool-season companion; efficient space use | Neutral | No pest interaction documented |
| Onion | Mixed — allium volatiles may help, but minimal evidence | Neutral | Lower risk than full garlic but not strongly supported |
| Other brassicas (kale, broccoli, cauliflower) | Amplifies pest attractant signals | Foe | Do not block-plant brassicas together |
| Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) | Strongly allelopathic | Foe | Separate beds entirely |
| Strawberries | Cabbage and strawberries are documented mutual inhibitors | Foe | Some evidence of allelopathy in both directions |
| Tomatoes | Different pest complex; no documented interaction | Neutral | Compatible; no documented benefit or harm |