This study was conducted to optim ize the composition of CEM (cabbage extract medium) and cryoprotectants on the growth of Lactobacillus plantarum, a probiotics growing in plant and milk. For this, we analyzed the growth characteristics of Lb. plantarum in CEM and subsequently optimized the medium composition by addition of carbon, nitrogen sources and buffering agents. Among carbon sources, glucose showed the best result to increase the cell density after dilution of CEM. When 0.5% yeast extract and 1% soy peptone were supplemented in the diluted CEM, Lb. plantarum grew up to the maximum cell density. Addition of buffering agents in CEM was not significantly effective to increase the cell density. Meanwhile, addition of 12% skim milk, 5% sucrose and 0.5% glycerol showed a cryoprotective effect against cell damage of Lb. plantarum during freeze drying process showing high survival rate after 150 days. This optimized CEM can be used for economical production of bacterial cells particularly originated from a plant-related ecosystem.