Kerguelen Cabbage Plant Care

Kerguelen Cabbage (Pringlea antiscorbutica) belongs to the Brassicaceae family within the Pringlea genus. Kerguelen Cabbage is also known as Cabbage.

Kerguelen Cabbage displays a low rosette, clumping growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Kerguelen Cabbage produces small white flowers in dense clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Kerguelen Cabbage every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Kerguelen Cabbage thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Pringlea antiscorbutica tolerates temperatures of 45–75°F. Kerguelen Cabbage prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining sandy soil with high organic matter content. Good drainage is essential for Kerguelen Cabbage to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Kerguelen Cabbage every 8 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy soil with high organic matter content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Kerguelen Cabbage is suited to USDA Zone 11b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Kerguelen Cabbage can spread to about 2 ft (0.5 m) and reach about 2 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.5 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Kerguelen Cabbage while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Kerguelen Cabbage is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 11). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Kerguelen Cabbage can be propagated through seeds.

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Kerguelen Cabbage is susceptible to aphids, cabbage worms, flea beetles. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Kerguelen Cabbage grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11b. In cooler regions, grow Kerguelen Cabbage as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.