Important for any home or commercial gardener is a soil test. Soil tests can provide all sorts of information but one of the most important is the pH of the soil. You can do a soil test and send it off to a lab for analysis or, you can use a red cabbage soil pH test because yes, red cabbage is good for more than coleslaw; red cabbage juice is a wonderful pH indicator. Plus, a red cabbage pH experiment is a great way to teach the kids or grandkids about the importance of acidity or alkalinity in the garden.

What is pH?

The abbreviation pH stands for potential hydrogen. It is the measure of hydrogen ion concentration which tells whether a soil is acidic or basic/alkaline. PH is measured on a scale of 1-14, with a pH of 7.0 being neutral. Numbers below 7.0 are acidic and those above are alkaline. A red cabbage pH scale mimics this measurement exactly.

Most veggies prefer a pH between 6.0-7.0 but there are plants like azaleas, blueberries and rhododendrons that thrive in acidic soils with a pH below 7.0.

PH can be lowered with the addition of sulfur, while incorporating lime or calcium carbonate into the soil will raise the pH. Adjusting your soil’s pH can take some time so it is best to do a soil pH in the fall so the amendments can have time to do their job.

It is interesting to note that a higher pH can result in diseases such as potato scab.

Red Cabbage Juice Indicator

In order to test the pH of your soil you can make pH paper using the juice from a red cabbage. The color of this DIY pH strip will indicate whether your soil is acidic, alkaline or neutral.

Red cabbage contains a molecule called flavin (anthocyanin), a water soluble pigment found in apple peels, cornflowers, grapes, plums and poppies. Acidic solutions turn the anthocyanin a reddish hue, neutral purplish in color, and when alkaline, a greenish/yellow. Cabbage juice will be purple, which means it is neutral, or around a 7.0 on the pH scale.

Red Cabbage pH Experiment

The easiest way to test the pH of your soil using red cabbage is:

• Add one cup of cut up red cabbage to 2 cups of distilled water in a saucepan.
• Simmer the mixture for five minutes and then remove from heat.
• Allow to sit for up to 30 minutes.
• Strain the liquid from the solids, retaining the liquid which should be purple/blue in color.
• This means it has a neutral pH of 7.0.

To test your soil, add a couple of teaspoons (9.8 ml.) of garden soil to a jar with a few inches (8.8 cm.) of the cooled cabbage water. Stir and then wait for 30 minutes.

After 30 minutes have elapsed, check the color in the jar. If the color is pink, the soil is acidic; if it is more on the green spectrum, your soil is alkaline.

The correct soil pH fosters root development. It reduces the likelihood of physiological disorders like blossom end rot and retards certain plant diseases.

Companion planting has numerous benefits, not the least of which is creating diversity in the garden. Just as some plants may coexist or benefit one another there are also some companion plants that are detrimental when in close proximity to others. Take cabbage, for example. Companion planting with cabbage can have multiple benefits, provided you select the right plants. Keep reading to learn about cabbage companion planting, both the pros and cons. 

Benefits of Companion Planting with Cabbage

Companion planting in general has the benefit of saving space, properly utilizing soil nutrients, pest management, and mutual support as in the case of the three sisters, a trio comprised of squash, beans and corn. 

Cabbage Companion Plants

Many strongly scented plants are used as companion plants. This may be because the blooms from the plant attract beneficial predators or the plant provides habitat for these good bugs or the heightened aroma may repel detrimental insects. 

In any case, plants to include when companion planting with cabbage fall into the aromatic arena; geraniums, dill, allium and rosemary are all recommended as cabbage companion plantings. Rosemary repels cabbage flies while geraniums attract and trap cabbage worms. Lovage also makes an excellent companion plant for cabbage. 

Crops to Exclude when Companion Planting Cabbage

As mentioned, just as there are plants beneficial to cabbage so too there are those that should be avoided. Cabbage should never be planted near tomatoes, beans, peppers or strawberries. In fact, this holds true for all plants in the brassica family, such as broccoli, kale, and cauliflower.

Vegetables in the Brassica family have been important staples for almost every national cuisine. Colewort plants are unique in that they are a medieval version of cabbage. What is colewort? This ancestor of our modern varieties of cabbage is not commonly grown today but has experienced a small resurgence due to heirloom variety's popularity. 

What is Colewort?

Colewort is an easy to grow plant. Is colewort a vegetable? Definitely, and if you want something unusual for your veggie crisper, try growing colewort. It is a relative of cabbage with a similar flavor that grows well into the winter season. 

Colewort plants prefer cool temperatures and will bolt in summer. They produce airy white flowers, almost reminiscent of baby's breath but with a cabbage like scent. It grows as a loose bunch of broad, sculpted leaves on stout stems. The plant is quite ornamental, and its fluffy mass of blooms is appealing. Colewort can grow up to 8 feet (about 2 1/2 m.) tall and half that in width. It is an eccentric and attractive plant in the perennial or vegetable garden. 

Colewort Vegetable Uses

You can use colewort in any dish you would use cabbage or kale. It is tasty raw when added to salads or as a side dish. Sauté it with herbs and garlic, add it to stir fry, or chop into soups and stews. The leaves are the most tender when young. The stems can be tough but can be eaten if cooked. In medieval times the vegetable was used in pottage, a sort of stew made with greens and some sort of grain. 

Growing Colewort

Colewort needs rich, well-draining soil in full sun to partial shade. It will survive winters in USDA zone 6 and above. Plant in spring or fall by seed or start indoors in flats four weeks before the last expected frost. Thin plants to three feet (91 cm.) apart. Colewort needs consistently moist soil but never boggy. Plants may need staking especially in shadier locations. Caterpillars may damage the foliage but otherwise there are no serious pest or disease issues.

No matter which cabbage dish is your favorite, celebrate by whipping up a batch on National Cabbage Day (February 17)! This extraordinary vegetable is rich in vitamin K, with one cup (89 grams) providing 85% of the recommended daily allowance. Cabbage is low in potassium and calcium which is good news for those following a renal diet. Cabbage is also considered a heart-healthy food. Best of all, cabbage is a fairly inexpensive vegetable to serve.

Did you enjoy those fun facts about cabbage? In celebration of National Cabbage Day, let's look at how this crispy, crunchy vegetable came into our lives. Here's a rundown of cabbage plant history for you to digest while you're planning that favorite National Cabbage Day dish.

Cabbage Plant History

When we look at the history of cabbage, we must first understand that many modern vegetables of the Brassica genus stemmed from what is known as wild or ancestral cabbage. These divergent species include kale, kohlrabi, cauliflower, broccoli and Brussels sprouts, as well as the heading cabbages we know and love.

Our love affair with cabbage-type plants began thousands of years ago, perhaps even dating back to the time when ancient humans first decided to grow their own veggies instead of roaming the countryside in search of edible cuisine. Ancestral cabbage plants are believed to have originated somewhere around the Eastern Mediterranean area of Europe, but their native habitat may have extended into Asia Minor as well.

Ancestral or wild cabbages were leafy plants, so it makes sense that kale was most likely the first to be domesticated. This divergence in the family tree resulted from the selection of plants with bigger and bigger leaves. If you like kale, you're not alone. It's believed gardeners have been growing this leafy green for more than 4,000 years.

Now, if you think it takes forever for the heads to appear on your home-grown cabbages, our gardening ancestors had a much longer wait. Further plant selection, and perhaps an unexpected mutation, eventually produced primitive forms of heading cabbage. Scientists believe this type of cabbage, which yielded a tight cluster of leaves at the top center of the stem, was possibly a distinct type by the first century CE. 

It took a while longer for the distinctive hard-heading cabbages to appear. It wasn't until the 13th century that round headed forms of cabbage are mentioned in literature. Written documentation from England places red varieties of cabbage in existence during the 1500's. But it wasn't until the 17th century when flat varieties of green cabbages were first described. Conical headed cabbages appeared the following century.

Today, there are over 400 cultivars of cabbage grown worldwide. So, whether you like the crinkly leaves of savoy, the conical shape of Early Jersey Wakefield or luscious color of Red Acre, there's a variety of cabbage just for you. Now that's something to celebrate!

The Deadon cabbage variety is a striking, late season savoy with an excellent flavor. Like other cabbages, this is a cold season vegetable. It will get even sweeter if you let a frost hit it before harvesting. Deadon cabbage growing is easy and will provide you with a tasty, versatile cabbage for fall and early winter harvest.

Deadon Cabbage Variety

The Deadon cabbage variety is really more of a partial savoy. It is similar to the cultivar known as January King, with leaves that are not as crinkly as a savoy but not as smooth as a ball head variety.

Like savoy types, Deadon leaves are tender and more delicate than they appear. They are easier to eat raw than the smooth, thick leaves of a ball head cabbage and have a lovely sweet flavor. You can easily enjoy the leaves fresh in a salad, but they also stand up to being pickled in sauerkraut, stir fried, or roasted.

The color of Deadon savoy cabbage is also unique. It grows as a striking purplish magenta color. As it unfurls its outer leaves, a lime green head reveals itself. This is a great eating cabbage but can be decorative as well.

How to Grow Deadon Cabbages

Deadon cabbage growing is simple if you follow the general rules for cabbages: fertile, well-drained soil, full sun, and regular watering throughout the growing season. Deadon takes about 105 days to mature and is considered a late cabbage.

With a long maturity period, you can actually start these cabbages as late as June or July, depending on your climate. Harvest the heads after the first one or two frosts, as this will make the flavor even sweeter. In milder climates you can start Deadon in the fall for a spring harvest.

Watch out for pests in the summer. Cutworms, flea beetles, aphids, and cabbageworms can be damaging. Blast aphids off leaves with a hose and use row covers to protect against larger pests. The Deadon variety is resistant to the fungal disease fusarium wilt and fusarium yellows.

Primo Vantage cabbage variety may be the one to grow this season. What is Primo Vantage cabbage? It’s a sweet, tender, crunchy cabbage for spring or summer planting. Read on for information about this cabbage variety and tips on Primo Vantage care.

What is Primo Vantage Cabbage?

No matter what type of cabbage you’ve been planting, you might want to take a look at Primo Vantage cabbage. It is a variety that produces big heads of four pounds (2 kg.) or more in short order.

Primo Vantage cabbages have round, green heads and short stems. The leaves are juicy, tender, and sweet making them perfect for coleslaw. The cabbage is ready for picking just over 70 days from planting.

Growing Primo Vantage Cabbage

Primo Vantage cabbage plants grow well in most areas of the United States. They are said to perform especially well in the west and desert southwest, as well as in the east.

Those growing Primo Vantage cabbages love the way they can be planted close together without compromising quality. This means you can squeeze more plants into a small garden. Another advantage is how quickly these cabbages mature and how well they hold in the field. This gives you flexibility in when to harvest the cabbages.

Primo Vantage Care

Plant seeds for this cabbage in springtime. If you like, you can start the seeds indoors to get a jump on the crop. Transplant the resulting seedlings outside after four to six weeks. Like most cabbages, Primo Vantage care is fairly easy if you site them correctly. They require fertile, well-drained soil and a full sun location.

Plant the seeds to a depth of about ¼ inch (0.5 cm.) in containers or ½ inch (1.5 cm.) if direct sowing. Sow three or four seeds per group, spacing the groups 12 inches (30.5 cm.) apart. Thin to one plant per group when the seedlings appear.

Generally, it’s better to start growing these cabbages when the weather is relatively cool rather than scalding. The optimal temperature is between 60-75 F. (16-24 C.), but this variety will still grow in hotter weather.

If you like the texture and flavor of Caraflex cabbage and wish there were more of it, consider growing Murdoc cabbages. The Murdoc cabbage variety has the same tender leaves and sweet taste that home cooks value for slaw, stir fries, and sauerkraut recipes. The difference is the size of the heads. Instead of 1 to 2 pounds (0.5-1 kg.) of petite sized Caraflex heads, Murdoc averages a whopping 7 to 8 pounds (3-4 kg.).

F1 Hybrid Murdoc Cabbage Variety

Murdoc matures in approximately 60 to 80 days, producing a cone shaped head that has a sweeter flavor than round cabbage varieties. The heads have heart-shaped centers and the thinner leaves give it a silky texture that's perfect for a variety of fresh or lightly sautéed cabbage dishes.

Additionally, this cabbage variety is a key ingredient in many Bavarian weisskraut recipes. This braised cabbage dish has a sweet and sour flavor that's milder and easier to make than traditional sauerkraut recipes.

Murdoc is primarily grown for fall harvest. When mature, the tight outer leaves will begin to fold back indicating the cabbage is ready for picking. When harvested before frost, Murdoc has excellent storage potential. This conical cabbage often lasts 30 to 60 days when stored at a temperature of 32 degrees F. (0 C.).

Growing Murdoc Cabbages

For a fall crop, start cabbage seeds indoors six weeks before the last frost. To directly seed into the garden, plant Murdoc seeds when the soil temperature has reached a minimum of 50 degrees F. (10 C.). The ideal germination temperature for Murdoc cabbage seeds is 75 degrees F. (24 C.).

Thin or space transplants 24 inches (61 cm.) apart. Pack soil firmly around transplants and mulch to retain soil moisture levels and reduce weeding. Due to their shallow roots cabbage plants don't tolerate close cultivation to remove weeds.

Murdoc cabbage care is similar to other types of Brassicaceae. Like most cabbage, Murdoc is a heavy feeder and benefits from a high nitrogen fertilizer early in the season. Withhold fertilizer as the heads begin to mature to prevent splitting. Keeping soil consistently moist will also help keep cabbage heads intact.

The Murdoc variety hosts the same pest and disease issues as most other cabbage cultivars. The more common pests include cabbage loopers, flea beetles, and root maggots. To reduce disease, rotate crops each year, use clean potting soil, and clean off the garden at the end of the season to prevent diseases and pests from overwintering in the soil.

Murdoc cabbage seeds are readily available from online seed catalogs and retailers. Both seeds and seedlings can be purchased at local gardening centers.

There is no doubt that greens such as lettuce and spinach are commonly planted by growers wishing to extend their spring and fall seasons. However, many may overlook larger members of the Brassica family, like cabbage. Though it is true that some varieties of cabbage can require a bit of space in the garden, other smaller cultivars are ideal for home gardens and raised vegetable beds. The Tiara cabbage variety is perfect for anyone wishing to enjoy homegrown cabbages without large growing spaces.

How to Grow Tiara Cabbages

Reaching sizes up to 3 lbs. (1 kg.), these early maturing hybrid cabbages are ideal for use in salads, stir fry, slaw, and sauerkraut. Since plants remain small, tight spacing allows growers to use the area more efficiently. In addition to their growth habit, these cabbages hold well in the garden. This allows for a larger harvest window throughout the growing season.

Growing Tiara cabbage variety is similar to growing other cultivars. First, growers will need to determine the best time for planting. Growing Tiara cabbage can be done in both the spring and the fall.

In general, spring cabbage seeds are sown indoors about six weeks before the last frost date. The Tiara cabbage plants can then be hardened off and moved into the garden in early spring as temperatures begin to warm. Cabbage plants to be harvested in the fall will need to be sown in midsummer. These plants will likely require protection from insects and other garden pests as they become established.

Tiara Cabbage Care

Tiara cabbage plants will require care throughout the growing season to ensure the best results. As with most cabbages, consistent moisture is key to reaching their full potential. Establish an irrigation routine early in the season, making certain to avoid periods of excess moisture. Controlling moisture is vital, as it can cause the cabbages to split or to become diseased. When possible, avoid watering the leaves of the plants, as this may lead to fungal infections.

Cabbage growers will also need to consider the presence of cabbageworms, loopers, and other insects. Though insect pressure may be less in early spring, summer conditions can exacerbate these problems. The use of controls will likely be necessary. While there are chemical solutions available, many growers choose more organic methods, like floating row covers, as a means to prevent damage. Regardless of the control, always make certain to follow manufacturer’s instructions per the product label.

Red cabbage is colorful and jazzes up salads and other dishes, but it also has unique nutritional value thanks to its deep purple color. A great hybrid variety to try is the Integro red cabbage. This medium sized cabbage has a stunning color, good flavor, and is great for eating fresh. 

About the Integro Cabbage Variety

Integro is a hybrid variety of red, ballhead cabbage. Ballhead varieties are the classic shapes you think of when imagining cabbage – compact, round balls of tightly packed leaves. This is the most common type of cabbage and all ballheads are great for eating fresh, pickling, making sauerkraut, sautéing, and roasting.

Integro cabbage plants are medium in size, with heads that grow to about 3 or 4 pounds (around 2 kg.) and 5 to 7 inches (13-18 cm.) high and wide. The color is a deep purple red with a silvery sheen. The leaves are thick and shiny. Integro’s flavor is described as sweeter than average.

Growing Integro Cabbages

Whether starting indoors or out, sow these red cabbage seeds to a depth of just a half inch (1 cm.). If starting seeds inside, start four to six weeks before you plan to transplant outdoors. For starting outdoors, wait until the soil is at least 75 degrees F. (24 C.). Integro matures in about 85 days. Space transplants outdoors about 12 to 18 inches (31-46 cm.) apart.

Choose a sunny spot for transplanting and growing cabbages. Make sure the soil is fertile and add in compost before planting if necessary. The spot should also drain well to avoid excess moisture in the ground.

Cabbage needs to be watered regularly, but water on the leaves can lead to disease. Water plants at the base only. Typical pests you may see include slugs, cabbageworms, cabbage loopers, and aphids.

Integro is a later variety of cabbage, which means it can stay in the field a while. In other words, you don’t have to harvest the heads as soon as they are ready. The heads will also store well indoors after harvesting.

Cabbage is a popular winter crop in this country, and Danish Ballhead heirloom cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata 'Danish Ballhead') is among the top favorite varieties. For more than a century, Danish Ballhead cabbage plants have been grown as dependable winter crops in cool locations.

If you are interested in growing this type of cabbage, read on. We’ll give you information on this variety and tips on Danish Ballhead cabbage care.

Danish Ballhead Heirloom Cabbage

Europeans have been growing Danish Ballhead for centuries. The early strain of this heirloom vegetable was the Danish variety Amager, named for the island of Amager near Copenhagen. It was cultivated as far back as the 15^th century.

Specimens of this cabbage variety were introduced to the United States in 1887 as Danish Ballhead cabbage plants. It is known as a reliable storage-type cabbage that resists bolting and splitting. The heads are solid and offer a sweet, mild flavor that makes them great for boiling, slaws, and kraut.

Danish Ballhead Cabbage Seeds

If you are interested in growing Danish Ballhead cabbage, you’ll be pleased to learn that it isn’t very difficult. The variety does especially well in the northeast and mountainous regions. It doesn’t grow as well in hot areas. However, once the plants are established, they can withstand hot, dry weather and do not rot in wet seasons.

You can easily find Danish Ballhead cabbage seeds online or at your local garden store. Given the name, it is no surprise that the seeds produce round heads of cabbage, a lovely blue-green in color. They mature after 100 days and grow to about 10 inches (25 cm.) in diameter.

Danish Ballhead Cabbage Care

If you are starting Danish Ballhead cabbage seeds indoors, do so 4 to 6 weeks before the last spring frost. Transplant to the garden just before that last frost date. For outdoor planting, wait until early spring or mid-summer.

Plant the seeds at a depth of ½ inch (1.27 cm.). Cabbage care should include regular irrigation and fertilizer as well as mulching to help the soil retain moisture. Plants mature to 12-14 inches (30-36 cm.) tall and 24-28 inches (61-71 cm.) wide. The heads produced are hard and tight, and they store extremely well.

One of the first to be ready for harvest, Durham Early cabbage plants are among the favorite and most reliable of early season cabbage heads. First cultivated as the York cabbage in the 1930’s, there is no available record of why the name changed.

When to Plant Durham Early Cabbage

Set out cabbage plants four weeks before you expect your last frost in spring. For a fall crop, plant six to eight weeks before the first frost is expected. Cabbage is a cool season crop and the Durham Early variety is one of the hardiest. Cabbage needs steady growth to be ready for harvest before hot temperatures arrive.

You may also grow from seed. Start seeds indoors, allowing six weeks for development and adjusting to the cold before planting into the garden. You may sprout seeds outside if you have a protected area. The Durham Early variety gets even sweeter with a touch of frost but must be accustomed to the cold. Plant early enough in your area so they experience some cold.

Prepare beds ahead of planting. You may plant cabbage in a trench or in rows. Check the soil pH and add lime if necessary, working in thoroughly. Cabbage needs a soil pH of 6.5-6.8 for best results. Cabbage does not grow well in acidic soil. Take a soil test and send to your local county extension office, if you don’t know the soil pH.

Add rotted manure or compost. Soil should be fast draining.

Planting Early Durham Cabbage

Plant Durham Early cabbage on a cloudy day. Put your plants 12 to 24 inches (30.5-61 cm.) apart when planting. When growing Durham Early cabbage, it needs plenty of room to grow. You’ll be rewarded by large, tasty heads. Cabbage needs at least six hours of sun daily and more is better.

Mulch after planting to retain moisture and keep the soil temperature regulated. Some use black plastic underneath to warm the soil and encourage root growth. Both the plastic and the mulch decrease weed growth.

Consistent watering helps your cabbage heads develop properly. Water regularly, about two inches (5 cm.) per week and remember to fertilize. Cabbage plants are heavy feeders. Begin their weekly feedings three weeks after planting.

It is likely that you won’t be planting other crops at the same time as cabbage, but don’t plant other vegetables in the cabbage patch before harvesting. Other plants will compete for nutrients needed by Durham Early except for peas, cucumbers, or nasturtiums to assist with pest control.

Harvest only when you’ve tested to make sure the cabbage head is solid all the way through. Enjoy your Durham Early cabbage.

To learn more of the history of this plant, search York cabbage for an interesting story.

Do you like a big, firm cabbage with excellent flavor? Try growing Late Flat Dutch cabbage. This vegetable will feed a large family. Late Flat Dutch cabbage plants are easy to grow, provided you have a way to keep the snails and slugs away from the leaves. Keep reading to learn how to plant Late Flat Dutch cabbage, a vegetable that keeps for a long time and delivers quality and quantity.

About Late Flat Dutch Cabbage Plants

Cabbage is such a versatile vegetable. It is equally good in salads, stews, or sautéed. Late Flat Dutch cabbage seeds germinate easily and the resulting heads store for weeks. This open pollinated heirloom variety requires 100 days from seed to head and can be planted for an early summer or late fall harvest.

This large cabbage variety has bluish green leaves and flattened heads with a creamy light green interior. The heads are monsters that can achieve up to 15 pounds (7 kg.) but taste a bit sweeter if harvested when smaller.

The earliest recording of this cabbage type was in 1840 in the Netherlands. However, it was German settlers that brought Late Flat Dutch cabbage seeds with them to America where it became a popular variety. The plants are hardy to USDA zones 3 through 9, but young plants can suffer if they experience freezes.

When to Plant Late Flat Dutch Cabbage

This is a cool season crop, and will also suffer if they experience hot summer temperatures, although they usually rally when the cool season appears. For an early crop, sow seeds indoors eight to twelve weeks before the last expected frost.

Harden off and install young plants four weeks before that date in order to ensure mature heads before summer heat. If you wish a fall crop, you can either direct sow or start indoors. If temperatures are extreme, use shade cloth to protect late season seedlings.

How to Plant Late Flat Dutch Cabbage

Soil pH should be around 6.5 to 7.5 for growing these cabbages. Sow seeds indoors in spring in trays 2 inches (5 cm.) apart. When ready to transplant, harden seedlings off and plant 18 inches (46 cm.) apart, burying the stems halfway up.

The preferred growing temperatures for cabbage are 55 to 75 degrees F. (13-24 C.) but the heads will increase gradually even in warmer conditions.

Watch for cabbage loopers and other pests. Use companion plants like herbs and onions to help prevent insect invaders. Mulch around plants and water evenly to prevent splitting. Harvest at any stage of growth and enjoy.

Cabbage is a great cool season vegetable to grow in spring or fall, or even both for two harvests per year. The Farao hybrid variety is a green, early ballhead cabbage with a mild, yet delicious flavor.

About Farao Hybrid Cabbage

Farao is a hybrid green cabbage of the ballhead form, meaning it forms a tight head of dense leaves. The leaves are a pretty, deep green and the heads grow to about 3 or 4 pounds (1-2 kg.). In addition to the compact head, Farao grows a generous layer of looser, protective outer leaves.

The flavor of Farao cabbage plants is mild and peppery. The leaves are thin and tender. This is a great cabbage for stir fries but will also hold up to pickling, sauerkraut, and roasting as well. You can even eat it raw and fresh if you would like.

How to Grow Farao Cabbages

Farao cabbage seeds can be started indoors or outside if the soil temperature is up to 75 degrees F. (24 C.). Transplant outdoors after four or six weeks and space plants 12 to 18 inches (31-46 cm.) apart. Enrich the soil with compost before planting your cabbages and be sure that the soil will drain well. Weeding and cultivating around cabbage can be damaging, so use mulch to keep weeds at bay.

Cabbages of all type are susceptible to rot if you let them get soggy or if there is poor airflow between plants. Give them enough space and try to water your vegetables only at the base of each plant.

Cabbageworms, slugs, aphids, and cabbage loopers can be problematic pests, but Farao cabbage growing is made a little easier by the fact that this variety is resistant to thrips as well as tipburn.

The heads will be ready to harvest in about 65 days, although Farao cabbage plants hold well in the field. This means you don’t have to harvest them as soon as the heads are ready. Cabbages left in the field too long will start to split; however, Farao hybrid variety is slow to do so. You can take your time with the harvest or pick heads as you need them.

You can call these plants Portuguese cabbages (Couve tronchuda) or you can call them Portuguese kale plants. The truth lies somewhere between the two. So, what is Portuguese cabbage? Read on for information on this leafy green crop, the most popular vegetable in Portugal. We’ll also give you tips on Portuguese cabbage planting.

What is Portuguese Cabbage?

Portuguese cabbage is a leafy green vegetable in the brassica family. Unlike most cabbages, this vegetable doesn’t form heads and grows in leaves like kale. That resulted in the alternate common name of Portuguese kale plants.

However, unlike kale, the leaves of this green vegetable, as well as the mid rib and stalk, are fleshy and succulent. Kale ribs and stalks are often too woody to eat. Many compare this veggie to collards.

Tronchuda Cabbage Uses

Those growing this cabbage plant sometimes call the vegetable tronchuda cabbage, using its species name. Whatever you call it, you’ll find plenty of uses for it. First, these are the key ingredients in Caldo Verde, a green soup considered by many to be the national dish of Portugal. It’s easy to find recipes for this soup online. It includes onions, garlic, and spicy sausages.

You can also cook and eat this veggie in the same way you would collard greens. It cooks quickly and works well in any soup and in stir fries. It is so tender that you can even use it in salads or as wraps.

Growing Portuguese Cabbage

If you are ready to try growing Portuguese cabbage, you will be able to find seeds online on several seed sites. Planting can be done in the fall or spring. In either case, you can start the seeds in pots about six weeks before the planting date.

Transplant your best seedlings into the garden around the first of fall or mid-spring. After that, growing these cabbages is amazingly easy and trouble free. You can expect to harvest your first leaves a few months later. This vegetable can survive hot summers in appropriate zones.

Look out for cabbage worms. If you don’t want to use pesticides, just inspect the leaves regularly and pluck out any worms you see. You might also have birds eager to eat this green veggie so cover the plants with a lightweight row cover cloth.

Perhaps you've heard cabbage is a heavy feeder. When growing cabbage, adequate amounts of nutrients are necessary to produce large heads with healthy leaves. Whether you're growing a few plants or a field of cabbage, knowing how to fertilize cabbage is the key to a successful crop.

Cabbage Fertilizer Basics

Enriching garden soil with organic compost is one of the best ways to supply the nutrients necessary for feeding cabbage plants. When using homemade compost, incorporate 2 to 4 inches (5-10 cm.) of compost into the garden soil in late fall or early winter. This gives the compost time to fully decay, so the valuable nutrients are ready for the plants in the spring.

In lieu of using compost for feeding cabbage plants, chemical fertilizer can be added to the garden soil. Choose a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10. This can be tilled directly into the garden bed as it's being prepared for spring planting. Testing the soil before fertilizing cabbages is recommended.

The test results can be used to amend the soil and make up for any nutritional deficiencies. Cabbages prefer a soil pH of 6.0 to 6.5 and require adequate amounts of micronutrients such as calcium, magnesium, sulfur, and zinc for optimal growth.

When to Feed Cabbages

When starting seeds indoors, begin fertilizing cabbage plants once they have two to four true leaves. A diluted solution of a balanced (10-10-10) liquid fertilizer, weak compost tea, or fish emulsion is recommended. This can be repeated every two weeks.

Once cabbage plants have been transplanted into a prepared garden bed, continue applying cabbage fertilizer every three to four weeks until heads begin to form. Avoid using fertilizer with high levels of nitrogen, as this encourages excess foliage growth and reduced head formation.

Tips for Fertilizing Cabbages

Always follow the manufacturer's directions when mixing and applying cabbage fertilizer.

Incorporate a slow-release, granular, or pelleted fertilizer into the soil prior to planting. Switch to a liquid fertilizer or side-dress cabbage plants by burying granular or pelleted fertilizer in shallow trenches in and around plants. Heavy rainfalls can dissolve solid forms of fertilizer lying on the garden surface. This can splatter heavy concentrations of fertilizer directly onto cabbages causing leaf burn and damage to the plants.

Avoid additional applications of fertilizer after cabbages begin to form heads. This can cause rapid growth resulting in split or cracked heads.

Water cabbage plants before the soil dries completely. Not only do cabbage plants prefer a consistently moist soil, but water is essential for absorbing nutrients from the soil.

Cabbage is a cool-season crop which matures in an average of 63 to 88 days. Early varieties of cabbage are more prone to splitting than longer maturing types, but weather conditions can also prompt heads to crack open. To prevent splitting, it's best to harvest cabbage when the heads are firm. Many gardeners grow cabbage for the versatility of its fresh use, let's explore the best methods for storing cabbages.

How to Store Cabbage

For home gardeners, this usually means harvesting the entire cabbage crop at once. Deciding what to do with cabbages can be problematic. Due to its strong flavor, canning cabbage is not recommended. It can be frozen and used for cooked dishes, soups, and casseroles. Sauerkraut is another popular method of preserving cabbage.

A cool, damp environment is needed for storing cabbages. A dirt floored root cellar is ideal, but a refrigerator can also work. To keep fresh cabbage usable as long as possible, store it at temperatures between 32 degrees F. (0 C.) to 40 degrees F. (4 C.). Aim for 95 percent humidity. Wrapping the head in a damp paper towel and placing the cabbage in a ventilated plastic bag will retain hydration when cabbage is stored in the refrigerator.

Proper post-harvest cabbage care can also keep cabbages fresher longer. To prevent moisture loss, harvest cabbages in the cooler part of the day and avoid leaving freshly picked cabbage in direct sunlight. Gently place cabbages in cardboard boxes or bushel baskets to avoid bruising during transport.

Unless wilted or damaged by insects, leave wrapper leaves on the cabbage head. These extra leaves protect the head from physical damage and prevent moisture from evaporating. Additionally, don't wash cabbage before storing and place the harvested cabbage heads in cold storage as soon as possible.

Cabbage Storage Tips

Choose cabbage varieties developed for storing. Cabbages such as Super Red 80, Late Flat Dutch, and Brunswick keep well in the field and are noted for their storage ability. Harvest at the right time. Immature cabbage heads as well as those that have been hit by frost or freezing temperatures don't store as well as those that are harvested at the peak of maturity. To test for maturity, gently squeeze the cabbage head. Those that are firm to the touch are ready for harvest.

Cut, don't twist. Harvest cabbage by severing the stem close to the head using a sharp knife. Twisting the stem can damage the head and reduce storage time. Don't cross contaminate. When storing cabbages in the refrigerator keep heads away from meat, meat juices, or other contaminates.

Wrap heads in newspaper. If you're lucky enough to have a root cellar, wrap the heads in newspaper and space 2 to 3 inches (5-8 cm.) apart on shelves. That way if one head goes bad, it won't spoil surrounding cabbage heads. Remove and discard yellowing or spoiled heads as soon as possible.

By following these simple guidelines, it's possible to store fresh cabbage in the refrigerator for two to three months. Cabbages stored in a root cellar can stay fresh for up to six months.

Cabbage has a lengthy history of cultivation. This may be due to the many different varieties of cabbages available to grow. What types of cabbage are there? There are basically six kinds of cabbage with some variations on each type.

About Different Types of Cabbage

Cabbage varieties include green and red cabbages, napa, bok choy, savoy, and Brussels sprouts.

Most varieties of cabbage form heads that can weigh anywhere from 1 to 12 pounds (0.5-5 kg.), with each plant producing a single head. The shape of the head varies from rounded to pointed, oblong, or conical. Brussels sprouts are an exception and form multiple heads along a main plant stem with up to 100 sprouts per plant.

Both cabbages and Brussels sprouts thrive in cooler weather. Cabbages grow in USDA zones 3 and up and Brussels sprouts in USDA zones 4 through 7.

Early cabbage varieties can mature in as little as 50 days while Brussels sprouts require 90-120 days to maturity. All varieties of cabbage are members of the Brassica family and are considered to be low-calorie foods that are rich in vitamin C.

Different Kinds of Cabbage to Grow

Both red and green cabbage varieties form round, compact heads. They are commonly used in coleslaw, but their sturdy character lends them well for use in many arenas from stir-frying to pickling.

Savoy cabbages are one of the prettiest types of cabbage with their ruffled, lacy leaves. They also form a rounded head but one that is less compact than those of red or green varieties. The leaves are also more tender and work well used as wraps or when lightly sautéed.

Napa cabbage (also known as Chinese cabbage) has a habit much like romaine lettuce, forming a long head with white ribs edged in a ruffled, light green. It has a milder flavor than some of the other different cabbages to grow combined with a peppery kick.

Bok choy and baby bok choy look somewhat like Swiss chard but with bright white ribs continuing into a brilliant green color. It is commonly found in stir-fries and also works well for braising, which brings out its sweet side.

Brussels sprouts are basically tiny cabbages that grow in groups along a main stem. These little guys will hold for weeks when left on their stalk. They are great roasted or steamed and are often paired with bacon.

Omero red cabbage is slow to bolt in the summer garden. This vibrant purple head can mature last in spring and go in the ground earlier in late summer. The inside of the head is deep purple to burgundy with streaks of white, attractive when making slaw. Although it appears purple in color to our untrained eye, purple cabbage, like Omero, is classified as a red cabbage.

Growing Omero Cabbages

The heat tolerance given to this hybrid is responsible for the extended growing season. This variety takes 73 to 78 days until it is ready to harvest. Plant earlier in the typical summer planting season or later in the winter to spring time frame.

Omero cabbage tastes best when touched by a hint of frost, so allow for main growth during cooler days. It has a mild, smooth taste that is slightly sweet and slightly peppery. Also called red kraut (short for sauerkraut), this cabbage is often thinly sliced and allowed to ferment, adding to its several health benefits.

Planting and Caring for Omero Hybrid Cabbage

Prepare the planting area ahead of time, adding compost, worm castings, or well-rotted manure to enrich the soil. Cabbage is a heavy feeder and does best with consistent growth in a rich soil. Add lime if the soil is too acidic. The soil pH for growing cabbage should be 6.8 or above. This also helps decrease the chances of clubroot, a common cabbage disease.

Start adding fertilizer about three weeks after putting plants in the ground or after plants grow when started from seed in the ground.

Most cabbage seeds are best started indoors or in a protected area, six to eight weeks before they should go in the ground. Protect from freezing temperatures or those hot, late summer days when plants are young. Acclimate to outdoor temperatures, if needed.

This is a short-core cabbage, reaching 6 inches (15 cm.) across when planted about a foot apart (31 cm.). To grow miniature cabbages, plant Omero cabbage plants more closely.

Harvest cabbage heads when leaves are tight, but before they go to seed.

If you're looking for a variety of heirloom cabbage plants, you might want to consider growing Charleston Wakefield. Although these heat-tolerant cabbages can be grown in almost any climate, Charleston Wakefield cabbage was developed for southern United States gardens.

What is Charleston Wakefield Cabbage?

This variety of heirloom cabbage was developed in the 1800s on Long Island, New York and sold to F. W. Bolgiano seed company. Charleston Wakefield cabbages produce large, dark green, cone-shaped heads. At maturity, the heads average 4 to 6 lbs. (2 to 3 kg.), the largest of the Wakefield varieties.

Charleston Wakefield cabbage is a fast-growing variety that matures in as little as 70 days. After harvest, this variety of cabbage stores well.

Growing Charleston Wakefield Heirloom Cabbage

In warmer climates, Charleston Wakefield can be planted in the fall to overwinter in the garden. In cooler climates, spring planting is recommended. Like most cabbage plants, this variety is moderately tolerant of frost.

Cabbage can be started indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost. Charleston Wakefield cabbages can also be seeded directly into a sunny area of the garden in late spring or early fall depending upon the climate. (Soil temperatures between 45- and 80-degrees F. (7 and 27 C.) promote germination.)

Plant seeds ¼ inch (1 cm.) deep in a seed-starting mix or rich, organic garden soil. Germination can take between one and three weeks. Keep young seedlings moist and apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer.

After the danger of frost has passed, transplant seedlings into the garden. Space these heirloom cabbage plants at least 18 inches (45.5 cm.) apart. To prevent disease, it's recommended to plant cabbage in a different location from previous years.

Harvesting and Storing Charleston Wakefield Cabbages

Charleston Wakefield cabbages generally grow 6- to 8-inch (15 to 20.5 cm.) heads. The cabbage is ready for harvest around 70 days when the heads feel firm to the touch. Waiting too long can result in the heads splitting.

To prevent damaging the head during harvest, use a knife to cut the stem at the soil level. Smaller heads will then grow from the base as long as the plant isn't pulled.

Cabbage can be consumed raw or cooked. Harvested cabbage heads can be stored in the refrigerator for several weeks or several months in a root cellar.

Red cabbage is a versatile and easy to grow vegetable. In the kitchen it can be used raw and also stands up to pickling and cooking. Ruby Ball purple cabbage is a great variety to try.

It has a nice, sweet flavor and will stand in the garden for weeks without splitting, so you don’t have to harvest it all at once.

What is Ruby Ball Cabbage?

Ruby Ball cabbage is a hybrid variety of ball head cabbage. These are cabbages that form tight heads of smooth leaves. They come in green, red, or purple varieties. Ruby Ball is a pretty purple cabbage.

Horticulturists developed Ruby Ball cabbage plants for several desirable traits. They form compact heads that allow you to fit more plants in a bed, tolerate heat and cold well, mature earlier than other varieties, and can stand in the field at maturity for several weeks without splitting.

Ruby Ball also has important culinary value. This cabbage has a sweet flavor compared to other cabbages. It works well raw in salads and coleslaws and can also be pickled, stir fried, and roasted to enhance the flavor.

Growing Ruby Ball Cabbages

Ruby Ball cabbages prefer conditions similar to those of any other cabbage variety: fertile, well-drained soil, full sun, and regular water. Cabbages are cool weather vegetables, but this variety does tolerate more heat than others.

Whether starting from seed or using transplants, wait until the soil temperature has warmed to 70 degrees F. (21 C.). Expect to be able to harvest Ruby Ball between August and October, depending on when you planted and your climate.

Cabbage is fairly easy to grow and doesn’t require much maintenance beyond watering and keeping weeds at bay. A few pests may become an issue though. Watch out for aphids, cabbageworms, loopers, and root maggots.

Since this variety holds well in the field, you can harvest heads only as you need them up until frosts begin. Then, the heads will store for a few weeks to a couple months in a cool, dry location.

There are a number of storage cabbage varieties, but the Storage No. 4 cabbage plant is a perennial favorite. This variety of storage cabbage is true to its name and under proper conditions holds up well into early spring. Interested in growing Storage No. 4 cabbages? Read on to learn about Storage No. 4 cabbage care.

About Storage Cabbage Varieties

Storage cabbages are those that mature just prior to the fall frosts. Once the heads are harvested, they can be stored into the winter months, often as long as early spring. There are a number of storage cabbage varieties available in either red or green cabbage types.

Storage No. 4 cabbage plants are one of long-term storage cabbages as are Ruby Perfection, Kaitlin, and Murdoc varieties.

Growing Storage No. 4 Cabbage Plants

This cabbage plant was developed by breeder Don Reed of Cortland, N.Y. Plants yield 4 to 8 pound (2-4 kg.) cabbages with a lengthy shelf life. They hold well in the field during periods of weather stress and are resistant to fusarium yellows. These cabbage plants can be started indoors or direct sown outside. The plants will mature in about 80 days and be ready for harvest in the mid-fall.

Start seedlings in mid to late spring. Sow two seeds per cell just under the medium. Seeds will germinate more rapidly if temperatures are around 75 degrees F. (24 C.). Once the seeds have germinated, reduce temperatures to 60 degrees F. (16 C.).

Transplant the seedlings four to six weeks after sowing. Harden the seedlings off for a week and then transplant 12 to 18 inches (31-46 cm.) apart in rows that are 18 to 36 inches (46-91 cm.) apart.

Storage No. 4 Cabbage Care

All Brassica are heavy feeders, so be sure to prepare a bed that is rich in compost, well-draining, and with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5. Fertilize the cabbages with fish emulsion or the like later in the season.

Keep the beds consistently moist – that means depending upon weather, provide an inch (2.5 cm.) per week of irrigation. Keep the area around the cabbages free from weeds that compete for nutrients and harbor pests.

While cabbages enjoy cool temperatures, seedlings under three weeks can be damaged or killed by sudden freezing temperatures. Protect young plants in the event of a cold snap by covering them with a bucket or sheet of plastic.

Napa cabbage is the best-known variety of the Chinese cabbages with large, full-size heads and good disease resistance. The oblong heads have pale green, crinkly leaves on the outside with creamy yellow inside. The Bilko cabbage variety is a good type of Napa to grow.

Bilko Napa Cabbage Plants

Napa cabbage, with its sweet, mild flavor, can be eaten raw or cooked. Chinese cabbage is good for slaws, braising, stir frying, soups, and pickling. The nutritious veggie is high in vitamin K, potassium, calcium, and antioxidants. Uncooked cabbage promotes intestinal health with an important amino acid as well as adds roughage to your diet.

The Bilko Napa cabbage variety boasts 12 inch (31 cm.) heads and disease resistance to clubroot and fusarium yellows. It is a slow bolting variety recommended for home gardens.

Tips for Growing Bilko Cabbages

The Bilko cabbage variety can be grown in spring or fall in cool or cold conditions with a minimum temperature of 40 degrees F. (4 C.). It can be started indoors or outdoors. In the spring, start seeds four to six weeks before the last frost. In the fall, start seeds 10 to 12 weeks before the first frost. Bilko cabbage plants tolerate a light frost.

Expect 65 to 70 days to maturity in spring and summer, and 70 to 85 days to mature in fall and winter.

Bilko cabbage plants are heavy feeders, so plenty of compost should be worked into the planting bed. Provide full sun, at least six hours a day, and moderate water.

Bilko Chinese cabbage is ready to harvest when heads are firm. Harvest promptly to avoid bolting. Bilko cabbage can last several weeks in the refrigerator if trimmed and wrapped in paper bags. Cabbage can keep for an extended period in a cool basement or cellar. 

Pests and Diseases

Prevent attacks by caterpillars, flea beetles, and cabbage root maggots by covering plants with floating row covers. Cabbage loopers, armyworms, and velvety green cabbageworms can be removed by hand or, if squeamish, spray or dust plants with a biological pesticide containing Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis).

Control slugs and snails by using sand, diatomaceous earth, eggshells, or copper wire around plants.

Crop rotation and good sanitation will help prevent disease. 

What is Caraflex cabbage? Caraflex hybrid cabbage is a small cabbage with an unusual, somewhat pointed shape. Mature heads weigh less than two pounds (1 kg.). A tender, crunchy cabbage with a mild flavor, Caraflex hybrid cabbage is ideal for slaws, wraps, cooked dishes, salads, and for making stuffed cabbage.

This sweeter than usual cabbage is easy to grow either by planting seeds or transplants. Keep reading to learn how.

Growing Caraflex Cabbage

Plant Caraflex cabbage seeds indoors four to six weeks ahead of the last expected frost in your region. This allows you to harvest the cabbage before the weather turns hot. Watch for Caraflex cabbage seeds to germinate in four to ten days. If you’re not interested in planting seeds indoors, you may find it easier to purchase young plants at a garden center or nursery.

You can also plant your cabbage seeds directly in the garden about three weeks before the last frost. Plant a group of three or four seeds, allowing 12 inches (30.5 cm.) between each group. If you’re planting in rows, allow approximately 24 to 36 inches of space (61-91.5 cm.) between each row. Thin to one plant per group when the seedlings have at least three or four leaves.

Before planting Caraflex (either seeds or transplants), prepare a sunny garden spot. Loosen the soil with a spade or garden fork and then dig in 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm.) of compost or well-rotted manure. Additionally, dig in a dry all-purpose fertilizer according to manufacturer recommendations.

Caring for Caraflex Hybrid Cabbage

Water these hybrid cabbages as needed to keep the soil evenly moist. Don’t allow the soil to remain soggy or become completely dry, as fluctuations in moisture may cause the heads to burst or split.

Avoid overhead watering. Instead, water at the base of the plant using a drip irrigation system or soaker hose. Too much moisture on growing Caraflex cabbage may result in diseases such as black rot or powdery mildew. If possible, always water early in the day so the leaves have time to dry before evening.

Apply a light application of all-purpose garden fertilizer to growing plants about a month after they have been thinned or transplanted. Sprinkle the fertilizer along the rows and then water well.

Spread 3 to 4 inches (7.5 to 10 cm.) of mulch such as clean straw, dry grass clippings, or chopped leaves around the base of the plants to keep the soil cool and moist, and to keep weeds in check. Remove small weeds by hand or scrape the surface of the soil with a hoe. Be careful not to damage the roots of the plants.

Harvesting Caraflex Cabbages

The time for harvesting Caraflex cabbages is when the heads are plump and firm. To harvest, just cut the heads at ground level using a sharp knife. Don’t wait, the cabbage may split if left in the garden too long.

For many home vegetable growers, space can be extremely limited in the garden. Those wishing to expand their vegetable patch may feel frustrated by their limitations when it comes to growing larger crops. Plants like cabbages, for instance, require quite a bit of space and a long growing season to truly thrive. Luckily, smaller and more compact varieties have been developed for those of us hoping to make the best of our growing spaces.

The ‘Savoy Express’ cabbage variety is just one example of vegetables that are perfect for raised beds, containers, and/or urban gardens.

Growing Savoy Express Cabbages

Savoy Express hybrid cabbage is a small variety of cabbage that is quick to mature. Reaching full size in as little as 55 days, this cabbage maintains a wrinkled appearance and an exceptionally sweet taste that is perfect for culinary use. Savoy Express cabbage variety produces crisp heads which reach roughly 1 pound (0.5 kg.) in size.

Growing Savoy Express cabbages is very similar to growing other savoy cabbage cultivars. Plants in the garden can be grown from transplants, or gardeners can start their own Savoy Express seeds. Regardless of the method, it will be imperative that growers choose the correct time in which to plant into the garden.

Cabbages grow best when temperatures are cool. Most commonly, cabbage is grown as either a spring or a fall crop. Choosing when to plant cabbages will be dependent upon the temperatures in your growing zone.

Those wishing to grow Savoy Express cabbage in the spring will need to start the seeds indoors, usually about six weeks before the last expected frost date in the garden. Seeds for a fall harvest should be planted in midsummer.

Choose a well amended and well-draining location in the garden that receives full sunlight. Transplant the cabbage seedlings outdoors about two weeks before the last expected frost in the spring, or when the seedlings have several sets of true leaves in the fall.

Caring for Savoy Express Hybrid Cabbage

After transplant into the garden, the cabbages will need frequent irrigation and fertilization. Weekly watering will help to produce high quality cabbage heads.

Savoy Express cabbages will also need to be monitored for garden pests. Insects such as loopers and cabbage worms can severely damage young plants. To produce an abundant harvest of cabbage, these issues will need to be addressed and controlled.

Cabbage is one of the most versatile vegetables and is featured in many cuisines. It is also easy to grow and may be planted for an early summer crop or a fall harvest. Copenhagen Market early cabbage matures in as little as 65 days so you can enjoy coleslaw, or whatever you fancy, sooner than with most varieties.

If you are a cabbage lover, try growing Copenhagen Market cabbage plants.

Copenhagen Market Early Facts

This early producer is an heirloom vegetable that produces large, round heads. The blue-green leaves are rich in nutrients and are delicious raw or cooked. Copenhagen Market cabbage plants must be timed to mature before summer heat amps up or the heads are prone to cracking.

This cabbage has the word “market” in its name because it is a vigorous producer and has visual appeal, making it valuable for commercial growers. It is an heirloom cabbage that was developed around the early 1900's by Hjalmar Hartman and Co. in Copenhagen, Denmark.

It took two years to arrive in America, where it was first offered by the Burpee company. The heads are 6 to 8 inches (15-20 cm.) and weigh up to 8 pounds (4 kg.). The heads are very dense, and the interior leaves are a creamy, greenish white.

Growing Copenhagen Market Cabbage

Since this vegetable can’t tolerate high temperatures, it is best to start seeds inside in flats at least eight weeks prior to planting out. Plant seedlings four weeks prior to the last expected frost. If you wish for a fall crop, direct sow or set transplants in midsummer.

Transplants should be planted 12 to 18 inches (31-46 cm.) apart in rows 4 feet (1 m.) apart. If direct sowing, thin plants to the necessary distance.

Mulch around the little plants to keep soil cool and conserve moisture. If a hard frost is expected, cover the plants.

Harvest when heads are firm and before hot summer temperatures arrive.

Care of Copenhagen Market Early Cabbage

To protect young plants from certain pests, practice companion planting. Use a variety of herbs to repel insects. Avoid planting cabbage with tomatoes or pole beans.

A very common disease of cole crops is the yellows, which is caused by Fusarium fungus. Modern varieties are resistant to the disease, but heirlooms are susceptible.

Several other fungal diseases cause discoloration and stunting. Remove affected plants and destroy them. Clubroot will cause stunted and distorted plants. A fungus that lives in soil causes the issue and a four-year crop rotation needs to be observed if cabbage is infected.

Gonzales cabbage variety is a green, early season hybrid that is common in European grocery stores. The mini heads measure 4 to 6 inches (10-15 cm.) and take 55 to 66 days to mature. The firm, softball-size heads mean less waste. They are a perfect size for most family-size cabbage meals and have a sweet, spicy taste. Read on to learn how to grow Gonzales cabbage plants in your garden.

Growing Gonzales Cabbages

This cabbage plant is moderately easy to grow indoors or by directly sowing in soil outdoors. The cold hardy cabbage (USDA zones 2-11) can be grown in spring, fall, or winter and can tolerate a hard frost. Seeds should germinate within 7 to 12 days. The Gonzales cabbage plant also is suitable for container culture.

To grow indoors, start seeds four to six weeks before the last frost. Sow seeds two to three per cell in soil temperature between 65 and 75 degrees F. (18-24 C.). Fertilize seedlings every 7 to 10 days with a water-soluble fertilizer at ¼ recommended strength. Move the transplants outside before the last frost.

To sow Gonzales cabbage outdoors in spring, wait till soil is warmed to 50 degrees F. (10 C.). For fall planting, sow in midsummer. Choose a site that receives six to eight hours of full sun each day. In soil enriched with organic matter, space two to three seeds 12 to 15 inches (31-38 cm.) apart in rows.

When seedlings emerge, thin to the strongest seedling per space. Plants reach 8 to 12 inches tall (20-31 cm.) and 8 to 10 inches wide (20-25 cm.).

Provide consistent water and fertilizer. Mulch to retain moisture and deter weeds.

Harvest the heads when light pressure feels firm as soon as possible to prevent splitting.

There are many types of cabbage to grow. The variety you select depends on how long you want to store the heads, what you intend to use them for, and what time of the growing season they are ready to harvest. Kaitlin F1 cabbage is a mid-season variety with medium sized heads and leaves that are dry in comparison to other cabbages. The heads also have a long storage life. If these traits appeal to you, try growing Kaitlin cabbage as a complement to your vegetable garden.

About Kaitlin F1 Cabbage

What is Kaitlin cabbage? It is a mid-standard hybrid developed as a kraut cabbage. It is considered a sauerkraut vegetable due to its low moisture content and the thickness of the leaves. Additionally, the flesh remains pure white, making for an eye appealing kraut.

The "F1" in the name refers to a hybrid that resulted from breeding two distinct parent plants. Such hybrids are bred for certain characteristics and are uniform and consistent. They are also often the most expensive varieties in a seed catalogue. They are not open pollinated and the seed is usually sterile or unstable.

Unlike heirloom varieties, hybrid types must be purchased from seed and are proprietary. Still, the Kaitlin version was selected for its dryness, firm leaves, creamy white interior, rapid growth, and long storage.

The exact parents couldn't be determined, but Kaitlin probably was derived from heirloom varieties with sturdy flesh and from other kraut type cabbages. It is a mid to late season variety, depending on when you start it and what zone it is grown.

From seed to harvest usually takes about 94 days. The cabbage heads will store well into winter. One of the attributes of this hybrid is its resistance to fusarium yellows, a fungal disease common in many cole crop vegetables. The heads are dense with waxy exterior green leaves which help protect the interior during long storage.

How to Grow Kaitlin Cabbage

Prepare a bed in full sun in soil with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. Sow seeds in flats for transplant or direct sow outdoors. For fall crops, start seed in mid-spring and transplant out in early summer. If you live where winters are mild, set out transplants from autumn through mid-winter.

Keep the plants consistently moist. Splitting may occur when heavy moisture happens after a dry spell. Prevent this by cultivating near the base of the plants to sever some of the root and slow growth.

Several insect pests happen in cabbage crops. Use row covers and horticultural oils to combat. Harvest the cabbages with young, green, firm heads for best storage.

If you love cabbage but live in a region with a short growing season, try growing Red Express cabbage. Red Express cabbage seeds yield open-pollinated red cabbage perfect for your favorite coleslaw recipe. The following article contains Red Express cabbage growing info.

Red Express Cabbage Info

As mentioned, Red Express cabbage seeds yield recently developed open-pollinated red cabbages that live up to their name. These beauties are ready to harvest in as little as 60 to 63 days from sowing your seeds. The split resistant heads weigh in at about 2 to 3 pounds (about 1 kg.) and were specifically developed for northern gardeners or those with a short growing season.

How to Grow Red Express Cabbages

Red Express cabbage seeds can be started indoors or outside. Start seeds grown indoors four to six weeks prior to the last frost in your area. Use a soilless mix and sow seeds just barely below the surface. Place the seeds on a heating mat with set temperatures of between 65 to 75 degrees F. (18-24 C.). Provide the seedlings with direct sun or 16 hours of artificial light per day and keep them moist.

Seeds for this cabbage will germinate within 7 to 12 days. Transplant when the seedlings have their first few sets of true leaves and a week before the last frost. Prior to transplanting, harden the plants off little by little over the course of a week in a cold frame or greenhouse. After a week, transplant into a sunny area with well-draining, compost rich soil.

Keep in mind that when growing Red Express, the heads are quite compact and can be spaced closer together than other varieties. Space plants 15 to 18 inches (38-46 cm.) apart in rows that are 2 to 3 feet (61-91 cm.) apart. Cabbages are heavy feeders, so along with a well amended soil, fertilize the plants with fish or seaweed emulsion. Also, when growing Red Express cabbage, keep the beds consistently moist.

This cabbage variety is ready to harvest when the head feels solid, about 60 days or so from sowing. Cut the cabbage from the plant and wash well. Red Express cabbage can keep for up to two weeks in the refrigerator.

Capture cabbage plant is a hardy, vigorous grower highly valued for its resistance to many pests and diseases that thrive in warm, humid climates. The solid, dense heads usually weigh 3 to 5 pounds (1-2 kg.), and sometimes even more. The plant is also known as Capture F1 cabbage, which in simple terms means it is the first generation of two cross-pollinated plants.

Read on to learn about growing Capture cabbages, with helpful tips on Capture cabbage care.

Growing Capture Cabbages

At 87 days from the date of transplanting into the garden, Capture F1 cabbage is relatively slow to develop. Plant as early as possible, especially if you live in an area with short growing seasons. Plant these cabbage seeds directly in the garden about three weeks before the last expected hard frost in your area. Be sure the spot gets at least six hours of sunlight per day.

Alternatively, plant seeds indoors four to six weeks before the last expected frost, then transplant the seedlings outdoors when the plants have three or four adult leaves. Work the soil well and dig a low nitrogen fertilizer into the soil a couple of weeks before planting Capture cabbage seeds or transplants. Use a product with an N-P-K ratio of 8-16-16. Refer to the package for specifics.

This is also a good time to dig in 2 to 3 inches (5-8 cm.) of compost or well-rotted manure, especially if your soil is poor or doesn’t drain well.

Capture Cabbage Care

Water Capture cabbage plants as needed to keep the soil evenly moist. Don’t allow the soil to remain soggy or become completely dry, as extreme fluctuations can cause the heads to split.

Water at ground level using a drip irrigation system or soaker hose and avoid overhead watering. Too much moisture on Capture cabbage plants may result in various fungal diseases. Water early in the day so the plants have time to dry before the air is cool in the evening.

Feed cabbage plants lightly, about a month after the plants are thinned or transplanted using the same fertilizer you applied at planting time or an all-purpose fertilizer. Sprinkle the fertilizer in bands along the rows then water well. 

Spread 3 to 4 inches (8-10 cm.) of clean straw, chopped leaves, or dry grass clippings around the plants to conserve moisture, moderate soil temperature, and slow growth of weeds. Pull or hoe weeds when they’re small. Be careful not to damage the tender cabbage plant roots.

There are a lot of great hybrid cabbage varieties to try for your vegetable garden. Each new hybrid that becomes available has a new or better trait any gardener will want. What makes the Parel hybrid variety special is its compact form, split resistance, and short maturity time. It’s an easy-to-grow variety for newbies and expert gardeners alike.

About Parel Hybrid Cabbage

An early season cabbage with just 45 to 50 days to maturity, you can start Parel from seed and have mature, fully grown heads of cabbage in just about six weeks. This is a green ballhead cabbage that forms particularly tight, compact heads. You can grow more of this variety in a smaller space than with other types of cabbages.

The outer, wrapper leaves of Parel are bluish green and protect a very dense, white head. The head is juicy and slightly sweet. You can use this variety any way you would enjoy cabbage in the kitchen, from raw in salads and coleslaws to pickled, roasted, and stir fried.

Growing Parel Cabbages

If starting with Parel cabbage seeds, you can sow them indoors or out, depending on outdoor temperatures. Generally, it’s safe to start them inside four weeks before the typical last frost of spring or outdoors when the soil has warmed enough. You can also sow seeds directly outside in midsummer for an additional fall harvest.

Give your Parel cabbages a spot with adequate sunlight, good drainage, and fertile soil. You will need to water them regularly but try to keep the heads and leaves dry to avoid rot diseases.

The heads, when mature, will hold in the field for about three weeks. This means you do not have to harvest them all at the same time. Harvest as needed and those left in the field will not split as other varieties sometimes do.

Harvest cabbage heads by cutting them off from the base of the plant. You can store the heads in a cool, dry area for a month or two although they are best enjoyed fresh. Pickling or making sauerkraut is a good way to preserve your cabbage.

If you want to plant vegetables that survive the winter chill, take a lingering look at January King winter cabbage. This beautiful semi-savoy cabbage has been a garden classic for hundreds of years in England and is a favorite in this country as well.

January King cabbage plants survive winter’s worst, including hard freezes and snowfall, to provide purple cabbage heads in January. Read on for information on growing January King and tips for cabbage uses.

January King Winter Cabbage

When you are growing January King cabbage plants, you are growing the best cabbage in its class. These vigorous heirloom plants produce gorgeous cabbage heads with pale green inner leaves and outer leaves in deep purple tinged slightly with green.

The cabbages weigh around 3 to 5 pounds (1-2 kg.) and are well filled, slightly flattened globes. Expect a harvest in January or February. In some years, the harvest extends into March.

Fans call these plants indestructible because the cabbages survive anything winter can throw at them. They sail through temperatures approaching zero, don’t blink at a hard freeze, and offer a delightfully strong cabbage flavor.

Growing January King Cabbages

If you want to start growing these cabbages, you’ll need to act quickly. The cabbages need almost twice the grow time in winter as in summer, some 200 days from planting to maturity.

This may make you wonder just when to plant January King cabbage? July is probably the best month for planting. While growing this variety will occupy chunks of your garden for quite a few months, many gardeners find it well worth the effort to pick fresh cabbage from the garden in January.

January King Cabbage Uses

The uses for this cabbage variety are virtually unlimited. This is a culinary cabbage with a wonderfully powerful flavor. It works well in thick soups, perfect for eating in January and February. They also do well in casseroles and any dish that calls for cabbage. If you like stuffed cabbage, this is definitely the one for you. It’s also great raw in cold slaws.

You can also collect seeds from January King cabbage. Just wait until the seed stalks are dry, then collect and place them on a tarp. Walk all over them to thresh out the seeds.

If you have limited space and want an early variety, Golden Cross cabbage plants should be your top choice for cabbage. This miniature cultivar is a green hybrid cabbage that grows in tight heads and allows for closer spacing and even container growing.

You’ll also get fully mature, tiny cabbage heads sooner than almost anything else in your vegetable garden.

About Golden Cross Cabbage Variety

The Golden Cross mini cabbage is a fun variety. The heads are just 6-7 inches (15-18 cm.) in diameter. The small size makes for easier storage in the refrigerator and also for closer plantings in a vegetable bed or growing cabbage in containers.

Golden Cross is an early variety. The heads mature from seed in only 45 to 50 days. You can grow them twice, once in spring for early cabbage and again in late summer or early fall for a later fall harvest.

The flavor of the Golden Cross is similar to other green cabbages. It is suitable for a variety of uses in the kitchen. You can enjoy this cabbage raw, in coleslaw, pickled, in sauerkraut, stir-fried, or roasted.

Growing Golden Cross Cabbages

Starting the Golden Cross cabbage variety from seed is quick and easy. Start in spring or late summer to early fall. Like all cabbages, this is a cool-weather vegetable. It will not grow well at 80 F. (27 C.) or warmer.

You can start seeds indoors or start them outside in beds three to five weeks before the last frost. Space seeds about 3-4 inches (7.5-10 cm.) apart and then thin the seedlings to about 18 inches (45.5 cm.) apart.

Soil should be fertile, with compost mixed in if necessary, and should drain well. Water cabbage regularly but only the soil. Avoid wetting the leaves to prevent rot diseases. Keep an eye out for cabbage pests including cabbage loopers, slugs, aphids, and cabbageworms.

To harvest, use a sharp knife to cut the heads from the base of the cabbage plant. Cabbage heads are ready when they are solid and firm. While all types of cabbage can tolerate a hard frost, it’s important to harvest heads before temperatures start getting lower than 28 F. (-2 C.). Heads that have been subjected to those temperatures won’t store as well.

What is Tendersweet cabbage? As the name suggests, plants of this cabbage variety produce tender, sweet, thin leaves that are perfect for stir-fries or coleslaw. Like all members of this family, Tendersweet cabbage can handle frost but will suffer in hot weather.

When it comes to growing Tendersweet cabbage, it’s best to get started in early spring. However, you can also grow a crop for fall harvest in milder climates.

How to Grow Tendersweet Cabbages

Plant seeds indoors four to six weeks ahead of the last expected frost in your region. This is the best plan if you want to harvest cabbage before the hottest part of summer. You can also purchase young plants at your local garden center.

Prepare a sunny garden spot before transplanting seedlings into the garden. Work the soil well and dig in 2 to 4 inches (5-10 cm.) of compost or well-rotted manure. Additionally, dig in a dry, all-purpose fertilizer according to recommendations on the container.

If you prefer, you can plant Tendersweet cabbage seeds directly in the garden. Prepare the soil, then plant a group of three or four seeds, allowing 12 inches (30.5 cm.) between each group. If you’re planting in rows, allow 24 to 36 inches of space (around 0.5 to 1 meter) between each row. Thin the seedlings to one seed per group when they have three or four leaves.

Caring for Tendersweet Cabbage Plants

Water plants as needed to keep the soil evenly moist. Don’t allow the soil to remain soggy or to become bone dry, as extreme fluctuations in moisture may result in a bitter, unpleasant flavor or may cause the heads to split.

If possible, water at the base of the plant, using a drip irrigation system or soaker hose. Too much moisture when growing Tendersweet leaves and heads may invite powdery mildew, black rot, or other diseases. Watering early in the day is always better than watering in the evening.

Apply a light application of all-purpose garden fertilizer about a month after the cabbage plants are transplanted or thinned. Place the fertilizer in a band along the rows, and then water deeply to distribute the fertilizer around the roots. 

Spread 3 to 4 inches (7.5-10 cm.) of mulch, such as straw or chopped leaves, around the plants to keep the soil cool and moist. Remove small weeds as they appear but be careful not to damage the roots of the plants.

Harvest cabbage plants when the heads are plump and firm and have reached an acceptable size. Don’t wait; once the cabbage is ready, the heads will split if left in the garden too long.

Many gardeners have their favorite varieties of vegetables they grow year after year, but trying something new can be rewarding. Growing Stonehead cabbage is one of those pleasant surprises. Often lauded as the perfect cabbage, Stonehead hybrid cabbage is early maturing, tastes great and stores well. With such endearing qualities, it's no wonder this 1969 AAS winner is still a popular choice among gardeners.

What is Stonehead Hybrid Cabbage?

Stonehead cabbage plants are easy-to-grow members of the Brassicaceae family. Like kale, broccoli and brussels sprouts, Stonehead hybrid cabbage is a cold weather crop. It can be planted early in the spring for a summer harvest or later in the season for a fall crop.

Stonehead cabbage forms small, round globes that average between 4 and 6 pounds (1.8 to 2.7 kg.). The flavorful heads are perfect raw ingredients for slaw and in salad and is equally delicious in cooked recipes. The heads mature early (67 days) and resist cracking and splitting. This can extend the harvesting season, as not all Stonehead cabbage plants need to be harvested at the same time.

Stonehead cabbage plants are resistant to yellowing leaves, black rot and pest infestations. They grow to a maximum height of about 20 inches (51 cm.) and can withstand a mild frost.

Care of Stonehead Cabbage

Start Stonehead cabbage plants indoors approximately 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost. Sow seeds to a depth of ½ inch (1.3 cm.). Give seedlings plenty of light and keep the soil moist. Cabbage started indoors is ready to be hardened off once the seedlings develop two sets of true leaves.

Plant cabbage in a sunny location with good drainage. Cabbage prefers nitrogen rich, organic soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.8. Space plants 24 inches (61 cm.) apart. Use organic mulch to conserve moisture and prevent weeds. Keep seedlings moist until established. Established plants require a minimum of 1 to 1.5 inches (2.5 to 3.8 cm.) of rainfall per week.

For a fall crop, sow seeds directly into the garden bed in mid-summer. Keep the ground moist and expect germination in 6 to 10 days. In USDA hardiness zones 8 and above, seed Stonehead cabbage in the fall for a winter crop.

When to Harvest Stonehead Cabbage

Once they feel solid and are firm to the touch, cabbage can be harvested by cutting the stalk at the base of the plant. Unlike other varieties of cabbage which must be harvested upon maturity to prevent split heads, Stonehead can stay in the field longer.

Cabbage heads are frost tolerant and can withstand temperatures down to 28 degrees F. (-2 C.) without loss. Hard frosts and freezes, below 28 degrees F. (-2 C.) can damage produce and shorten shelf life. Store Stonehead cabbage in the refrigerator or fruit cellar for up to three weeks.

Nothing signals fall like brightly colored ornamental cabbage (Brassica oleracea) nestled among other autumn staples such as chrysanthemums, pansies, and flowering kale. The cool season annual is easy to grow from seed or can be purchased at the garden center as fall approaches.

About Ornamental Cabbage

Ornamental cabbage, also called flowering cabbage, has smooth, wavy edges with bright rosette centers of pink, purple, red, or white leaves. It grows about a foot (31 cm.) wide and up to 15 inches (38 cm.) tall with a mounding habit.

Though considered edible-- it has a very bitter taste-- ornamental cabbage is more often used as a food garnish. It may be consumed with a double-boiling method to reduce bitterness or sautéed in olive oil.

In the landscape, ornamental cabbage plants can be combined with flowering kale and late season annuals that can tolerate a frost such as petunias, chrysanthemums, and snapdragons. They look stunning in containers, in front of a border, as an edging, or in mass plantings.

Their color intensifies as the temperature drops, particularly below 50 degrees F. (10 C.). Ornamental cabbage plants typically survive to about 5 degrees F. (-15 C.) and will decorate the landscape till winter turns harsh.

FYI: While most people associate flowering kale and cabbage together as one plant, there is a slight difference when it comes to ornamental cabbage vs. flowering kale. Technically, the two are the same and in the same family, with both types considered kale. However, in the horticultural trade, ornamental or flowering kale plants have deeply cut, curly, frilly or ruffled leaves whereas ornamental or flowering cabbage has broad, flat leaves edged in bright contrasting colors.

Growing Flowering Cabbage Plants

Flowering cabbage is easily grown from seed but must be started by midsummer to be ready for fall planting. Light is needed for germination, so sprinkle seed on growing medium but do not cover with soil.

Maintain temperature at 65 to 70 degrees F. (18-21 C.) to aid germination. Seedlings should emerge in four to six days. Keep temperature cool during growth period.

Site them in full sun, with some afternoon shade where locations are very warm. They prefer moist, well-drained soil that is somewhat acidic. Fertilize with a timed-release fertilizer about three weeks after planting or moving to containers.

If summers are too hot for growing seed, you may opt to purchase transplants from the garden center. Look for good color and a size appropriate for the desired planting area. Purchased flowering cabbage typically won’t grow much more after planting. When the temperature drops, colors should intensify, however.

Ornamental cabbage plants are prone to the same pests and diseases as cabbage and kale grown in the garden, but much less so given the time of year. If noticed, treat with appropriate biological controls.

Did you know the color red stimulates the appetite? Adding red cabbage to coleslaw or salad makes those dishes more appealing. Some colorful dishes, like braised red cabbage with apples, are considered a traditional holiday side dish. Additionally, red cabbage contains anthocyanins and phenolics which benefit your memory, immune system, and urinary tract.

For gardeners, growing Ruby Perfection cabbage is the perfect opportunity to not only add color to the dinner table but also increase the variety of vegetables growing in the garden. When selecting a red cabbage to grow, the Ruby Perfection variety is the one of choice!

What is Ruby Perfection Red Cabbage?

Ruby Perfection red cabbage is a mid to late season, medium-sized variety of hybrid cabbage. Ruby Perfection plants produce firm 4- to 6-pound (2 to 2.5 kg.) heads in a rich, deep red color. They have good storage potential and can often last well into late winter or early spring when stored in a root cellar. Ruby Perfection matures 80 days after transplanting.

In addition to being a colorful highlight for the dinner table, red cabbage has an oddly unconventional use for the home gardener. The anthocyanins in red cabbage act as a pH indicator. Gardeners can use Ruby Perfection red cabbage to test the pH level of their garden soil or to perform a home-based STEM experiment with the kids. The indicator colors range from reddish-pink for acidic solutions to greenish-yellow for basic ones.

Ruby Perfection cabbage seeds can also be grown as microgreens. The Ruby Perfection variety adds a touch of color and light cabbage flavor to these trendy vegetable mixes. Microgreens are considered more nutrient-rich than mature vegetables. Growing Ruby Perfection as microgreens has an added nutritional benefit since red cabbage contains higher levels of vitamin C than green varieties. 

Growing Ruby Perfection Cabbage

Start Ruby Perfection cabbage seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost. Germination takes 7 to 12 days. The seedlings can be transplanted to the garden before the final frost of the spring season. Space plants 2 to 3 feet (0.5 to 1 m.) apart in a sunny location.

Cabbage is a heavy feeder. Plant in an organic-rich soil or supplement with a high nitrogen fertilizer. Taper off feeding cabbage as they near maturity to prolong the harvest period and prevent the heads from splitting.

Begin harvesting Ruby Perfection when the heads are firm to the touch. The Ruby Perfection variety resists splitting better than most, so the heads can remain in the field up until a heavy freeze. Exposure to cold and frost increases the sugar content of cabbage. 

Growing Ruby Perfection is fairly easy. This variety has a natural resistance to thrips and black rot. It's recommended to rotate crops from the Brassicaceae family, so resist planting cabbage where kale, broccoli, or cauliflower was grown the previous year. 

The Brunswick cabbage variety is a great choice for autumn planting, as it flourishes in cooler temperatures of fall and winter.

First imported to the U.S. in 1824, Brunswick cabbage history says all cole crops were exported under the Brunswick name at that time. The German heirloom, a large drumhead, is becoming rare as winter cabbage growing decreases. For many years it was a favorite for making sauerkraut. It is a shame for this specimen to face extinction. Let’s learn more about growing this cabbage plant.

When to Plant Brunswick Cabbage

You may plant Brunswick cabbage in winter or spring, as well as fall. Much of your planting decision depends on your location. This large head cabbage needs soil temperatures of 45 degrees F. (7 C.). If air temperatures are lower than this but above freezing for most hours, there are alternatives to keep the soil warm.

A layer of mulch or of plastic, or both, keeps the soil warmer for the roots. This can be valuable in colder winter climates. Heads of Brunswick cabbage continue growing unless temperatures reach freezing and remain. This specimen takes 90 days to reach maturity, so calculate accordingly in your area. Cold and frost give the Brunswick heads a sweeter flavor.

You may start Brunswick cabbage from seed to hasten your late winter planting. Sprout seeds indoors and begin gradually acclimating them to the outdoor cold six weeks before your average last freezing date. Grow seeds to 2 inches (5 cm.) with a few sets of leaves before planting into the ground.

How to Grow Brunswick Cabbage

Plant Brunswick cabbage in a full sun area in rows, trenches, or containers. Brunswick cabbage growing is most successful when planted where lots of sun is available. More than six hours daily will likely increase the size of your final heads. Growing in a large container allows more control of the root system, especially if you have weed issues in the garden or if your mulch is sometimes disturbed.

Practice good sanitation, keeping the garden free of debris and weeds. Cabbage loopers, cabbageworms, Diamondback moth caterpillars, along with the typical aphids and other pests will love to settle in on your plants. Check the inside of the bud if you begin seeing holes in leaves or thin strips chewed into leaves.

You might also see holes in the heads. You can treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil, spraying inside buds and on the underside of leaves as well. Keep an eye on your plants before turning to something stronger. Pests can cause plant distortion and even death.

Some suggest using row covers so that the moths can’t lay their eggs on the plants. Planting nasturtiums throughout the bed will often trap the aphids that bother new growth. If you have pest problems that you can’t seem to control, contact your local extension office for free advice pertinent to your area.

The addition of heirloom cabbages to the home vegetable garden not only adds diversity, but can also add quite a bit of beauty. Ranging in size, color, and texture, these open pollinated varieties offer attributes that are suitable to the most difficult of growing conditions. While some gardeners may require fast growing cabbages, those with lengthier periods of cool weather can enjoy varieties requiring longer days to maturity.

‘Perfection Drumhead’ cabbage is just one example of a cultivar that adds both taste and visual appeal to the home garden.

About Perfection Drumhead Cabbage

Dating back to the 1800's, Perfection Drumhead savoy cabbage has long been a staple for many vegetable growers. Like most savoy types, these heirloom cabbage plants are known for their textured and wrinkled appearance. In this savoy cabbage, the growing heads form large groups of loosely packed leaves which keep exceptionally well in the garden.

How to Grow Perfection Drumhead

When it comes to savoy cabbage, growing the plants is very similar to the process of growing other cabbage cultivars. Growers will first need to determine when to plant the seeds. In most places, this can be done to produce either a spring or a fall harvest.

Those wishing to grow Perfection Drumhead savoy in the spring will need to start the seeds indoors, about six weeks before the average last frost date in the garden. A fall planting can be direct sown; however, most choose to start the seeds indoors in midsummer. Regardless of when the seeds are started, heirloom cabbage plants will need to be hardened off before being transplanted into the garden.

After planting, Perfection Drumhead cabbages will need consistent irrigation and fertilization. Throughout the growing season, it will be imperative that the plants receive weekly watering, as this will assist in the development of large cabbage heads. Perfection Drumhead savoy will also benefit from well amended and weed-free garden beds.

Cabbages are commonly attacked by a wide range of garden pests. These insects include loopers, cabbageworms, and aphids. Effectively managing and controlling these pests will be essential to producing a high quality cabbage crop. For many organic growers, this can be achieved through the use of row covers or other certified organic products. Regardless of the chosen method, make certain to apply controls only as directed per the manufacturer’s instruction label.

Earliana cabbage plants develop much sooner than most varieties, ripening in about 60 days. The cabbages are very attractive, deep green, with a round, compact shape. Growing Earliana cabbage isn’t difficult. Just remember that cabbage is a cool-weather vegetable. It can tolerate frost but is likely to bolt (go to seed) when temperatures rise above 80 F. (27 C.).

Get started as early in spring as possible so you can harvest the cabbages before the peak of summer. If you live in a mild climate, you can grow a second crop in late summer for harvest in winter or spring. Read on for more Earliana cabbage info, and learn about growing this sweet, mild cabbage in your own garden.

Growing Earliana Cabbage Variety

For an early harvest, start seeds indoors. Earliana cabbage variety can be planted outdoors three to four weeks before the last frost in spring, so start seeds four to six weeks before that time. You can also plant cabbage seeds directly in the garden as soon as the ground can be safely worked in spring. 

Before planting, work the soil well and dig in two to four inches (5-10 cm.) of compost or manure, along with a balanced, general-purpose fertilizer. Refer to the label for specifics. Transplant cabbage into the garden when the seedlings are three to four inches (7.5-10 cm.) tall. Thin Earliana cabbage to a spacing of 18 to 24 inches (45.5-61 cm.) when the seedlings have three or four sets of leaves.

Water Earliana cabbage plants deeply when the top of the soil is slightly dry. Don’t allow the soil to be either soggy or bone dry, as extreme moisture fluctuations may cause an unpleasant flavor and may result in splitting. Preferably, water plants early in the day, using a drip system or soaker hose. To prevent diseases, try to keep the leaves as dry as possible.

Apply a layer of mulch around Earliana to conserve moisture and discourage the growth of weeds. Fertilize Earliana cabbages about a month after the plants are thinned or transplanted. Apply the fertilizer in a band between the rows, then water deeply.

Harvesting Earliana Cabbage Plants

Harvest your cabbage plants when the heads are firm and have reached a usable size. Don’t leave them in the garden too long, as the heads may split. To harvest Earliana cabbages, use a sharp knife to cut the head at ground level.

For many home gardeners, growing cabbage is an excellent way to extend the gardening season. Whether grown in early spring or late into fall, cold tolerant cabbages thrive in cooler temperatures. Ranging in size, texture, and color, different open pollinated varieties of cabbage allow growers to choose the plants which best suit their garden and their growing zone. ‘Golden Acre’ is prized for its compact size and early maturity in the garden.

How to Grow Golden Acre Cabbage

Reaching maturity in about 60 to 65 days, Golden Acre cabbages are often among the first cabbages to be harvested from the garden in the spring. At peak harvest time, early Golden Acre cabbage plants produce heads that range from 3 to 5 pounds (1-2 kg.).

These smooth cabbage heads are exceptionally firm, and a good choice for growth in smaller garden spaces. The crisp, crunchy texture of Golden Acre cabbage variety makes it a fantastic choice for use in slaw and stir fry recipes.

Early Golden Acre cabbages will also require rich soil. A combination of high quality finished compost and nitrogen rich soil amendments are usually recommended for those wishing to form large cabbage heads.

When to Plant Golden Acre Cabbage

When it comes to Golden Acre cabbage, growing healthy transplants for the garden is key. Like other cultivars, the Golden Acre cabbage variety will need to be started and moved into the garden at the correct time.

To start the cabbage seeds, sow into seed starting trays in early spring or late summer depending upon the preferred harvest window. Spring cabbages will require enough time to mature before the heat of summer has arrived. Later plantings of cabbage may be made for harvest in the fall garden, however, it is likely that growers may struggle with insect pressure.

While it is possible to direct sow cabbage seeds, special care will need to be taken in order to protect delicate plant starts. 

Caring for Golden Acre Cabbage Variety

After planting, Golden Acre cabbage will require adequate conditions and soil nutrients in order to grow to their full potential. For the best results, it will be important that the plants receive ample sunlight and consistent moisture throughout the entire growing season.

When choosing to irrigate cabbages, always make certain to avoid wetting the leaves of the plant. This will help to reduce instances of disease and help to promote stronger plants.

Feeding the plants a few times each growing season will help to promote new growth, as well as help the cabbages to maintain vigor. As always, make certain to use amendments only as directed per the product label.

Orient Express Chinese cabbage is a type of Napa cabbage, which has been grown in China for centuries. Orient Express Napa consists of small, oblong heads with a sweet, slightly peppery flavor.

Growing Orient Express cabbages is almost the same as growing regular cabbage, except the tender, crunchy cabbage ripens much faster and is ready to use in only three to four weeks. Plant this cabbage in early spring, then plant a second crop in late summer for harvest in fall.

Orient Express Cabbage Care

Loosen the soil in a spot where Orient Express Chinese cabbages are exposed to several hours of sunlight per day. To minimize the risk of pests and disease, don’t plant where brussels sprouts, kale, collards, kohlrabi, or any other members of the cabbage family have grown before.

Orient Express cabbage prefers rich, well-drained soil. Before planting this variety of cabbage, dig a generous amount of compost or other organic matter, along with an all-purpose fertilizer.

Plant cabbage seeds directly in the garden, then thin the seedlings to a distance of 15 to 18 inches (38-46 cm.) when they have three or four leaves. Alternatively, start seeds indoors and transplant them outdoors after any danger of a hard freeze has passed. Orient Express cabbage can tolerate frost but not extreme cold.

Water deeply and allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings. The goal is to keep the soil consistently moist, but never soggy. Moisture fluctuations, either too wet or too dry, can cause the cabbage to split.

Fertilize Orient Express Napa cabbage about a month after transplanting using a high nitrogen fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio such as 21-0-0. Sprinkle the fertilizer about 6 inches (15 cm.) from the plant, then water deeply.

Harvest your Orient Express cabbage when it’s firm and compact. You can also harvest your cabbage for greens before the plants form heads.

Whenever I hear the word “mosaic,” I think of pretty things such as eye bedazzling mosaic stone and glass tiles in the landscape or in the home. However, the word “mosaic” is also associated with not-so-pretty things, such as mosaic virus in plants. This virus affects brassica crops such as turnips, broccoli, cauliflower, and brussels sprouts, just to name a few. What about cabbage, you ask? Why, yes, there is also mosaic virus in cabbage – it is a brassica crop after all. Let’s take a closer look at cabbages with mosaic virus.

Symptoms of Cabbage Mosaic Virus

So what does mosaic virus in cabbage look like exactly? Generally speaking, cabbage mosaic virus presents itself as follows: Yellow rings begin to form on the young leaves. As the cabbage head develops, you will notice that the head begins to take on a mottled or “mosaic-like” appearance with a smattering of various colored rings and blotches, which in some cases turn black and necrotic. The veins of the cabbage leaves could also show signs of chlorosis. Let’s just say the head of cabbage starts to look very icky and not very appetizing.

Control of Cabbage Mosaic Virus

How does cabbage contract mosaic virus and how do you control mosaic viruses affecting cabbage? One avenue of new cabbage mosaic virus infections is via aphid populations. There are 40 to 50 species of aphids that have been known to transport this virus from one cabbage plant to another, but two aphids in particular take a bulk of the credit: Brevicoryne brassicae (cabbage aphid) and Myzus persicae (green peach aphid). If you have aphids in your garden, then you will need to take measures to dwindle their population in your garden, as they are not just only a threat to your cabbage, but everything else you are growing. The disease can also be spread when the infected leaves of one plant simply touch those of a healthy plant. Plants infected with mosaic virus should be removed (do not compost) from your garden immediately for this reason. This virus can make a comeback every gardening season because it has the ability to overwinter in perennial herbaceous weeds (which aphids also feed on). Therefore, keeping your garden routinely weeded is highly recommended. The general recommendation is to keep your garden free of perennial weeds within at least 100 yards (91.5 m.) of your garden area. It is important to note that there is no cure for cabbages with mosaic virus once they become infected. The damage cannot be undone by a fungicide application. Good garden sanitation and insect pest management are the best means of keeping mosaic viruses affecting cabbage at bay.

Kalibos cabbages are red cabbages unlike any others. Smaller than other red cabbages, Kalibos matures faster than its cabbage cousins. The leaves don't have that thick stiffness of most regular red cabbages but are sweet and tender, perfect for coleslaw. If you are thinking of planting heirloom cabbage plants, Kaibos red cabbage may be just perfect for you.

Kaibos Red Cabbage Information

Kaibos is an Eastern European red cabbage, with softer leaves that still crunch nicely. As red as any cabbage around, Kalibos is delightful to eat and easy to grow. It's also a lovely vegetable in the garden, very graceful with the shape of a large rose bud. Each long, conical head of Kalibos is about 2 pounds. Mild and sweet, Kalibos keeps well in your pantry, giving you cabbage for autumn and for winter as well. It's excellent chopped or shredded in slaw and it keeps its color when you cook it.

Growing Kaibos Cabbage

Kaibos cabbage is just as easy to grow as any summer cabbage. Sow those Kaibos seeds from March to May in a large garden plot. These cabbage plants are large and spread wide, and the vegetables have large 'guard' leaves. So don't think of planting it in containers or tiny rows. However, a new variety called Kaibos Improved is smaller and will work well for space-limited gardens. Like all summer cabbage, Kaibos is best harvested in late summer or fall. Count about 70 days from the time you transplant seedlings into your garden until the time you pick the mature veggies. If your climate offers only a short growing season, plant these heirloom cabbage seeds indoors in pots to give them a head start. For best results, invest in equipment to provide bottom heat and overhead grow lights. If you take this route, don't forget to "harden off" the seedlings before planting them outside. This means that you want to put the seedlings outdoors for limited periods of time as planting season approaches. You can lengthen the amount of outdoor time each day. Start with a few hours a day, then work up to an overnight stay.

Are you one of those people that prep their produce and then tosses the scraps into the yard or garbage bin? Hold that thought! You are wasting a precious resource by tossing out potentially usable produce, well unless you’re composting it. I’m not saying everything is usable, but many parts of produce can be used to regrow yet another. Growing cabbage in water is a perfect example. Read on to find out how to grow cabbage (and other greens) from kitchen scraps.

How to Grow Cabbage from Kitchen Scraps

I do all the grocery shopping for my family and over the course of the last year have steadily watched the receipt stay the same size while the total grows. It’s no secret that food is expensive and getting more so. We already have a garden, so that cuts the cost of produce at least, but what else can a self-professed budget queen do to slash the grocery bill? How about regrowing some of your produce in water? Yep, some foods easily regrow in just a little water. Many others can too, but then once rooted, need to be transplanted to soil. Rooting cabbage bottoms can also be transplanted into soil, but it isn’t necessary. Growing cabbage in water is just that, growing in water. No need to transplant and the water can even be recycled water from say, cooled pasta water or water collected while waiting for the shower to heat up. This is the ultimate cheaper than dirt, DIY. All you need to regrow cabbage in water is in this sentence…oh, and a container. Simply place the leftover leaves in a shallow bowl with a small amount of water. Place the bowl in a sunny area. Replace the water every few days. Within three to four days, you will notice roots and new leaves beginning to appear. As mentioned, you can plant the rooting cabbage bottoms at this juncture or just leave them in the container, continue to replace the water and harvest the new leaves as needed. It’s that easy to regrow cabbage in water. Other vegetables can be grown in much the same manner from their discarded kitchen scraps and include:

• Bok choy
• Carrot greens
• Celery
• Fennel
• Garlic chives
• Green onions
• Leeks
• Lemongrass
• Lettuce

Oh, and did I mention, that if you start with organic produce, you will be regrowing organic produce which is a huge savings! A frugal, yet brilliant DIY.

I remember sneaking about my grandmother's garden as a little girl, awed and amazed by the variety of fruits and vegetables she and my grandpa were growing. Most of the produce were varieties not found in the supermarket and had origins from great grandma's garden or were brought over from Germany and part of the family seed bank. Heirloom cabbage plants were prominent features in that robust and magical garden. I'm not sure the Aubervilliers cabbage plant was one of them, but it would have fit right into the range of precious fruits and vegetables that had been grown and revered for generations in that fertile ground.

Aubervilliers Cabbage History

Aubervilliers is a town in Paris, France with an important industrial and religious history. It was also the seat of fertile lands bordered by canals, which were so rich and verdant they produced much of the near countryside's food. In fact, Aubervilliers is famous for its cabbage fields and the Aubervilliers cabbage history originates on this French soil.

Cabbage snobs might call this produce a Savoy, but to the rest of us, it's just delicious and sweet with just the right amount of bite and crunch. No one is exactly sure when cabbage was first domesticated. It is thought to have been cultivated as early as 1,000 BC and become a go-to food by the Middle Ages.

Savoy cabbage, to which Aubervilliers cabbage plant is classed, was not grown until the 16th century and not widely recognized until nearly the 19th century. During this time, many of the more commonly grown forms of cabbage were hybridized. Natural hybridization occurs frequently in most of our favorite vegetables, leading to fun and exciting forms and flavors. The rich, loamy soil of this part of the Ile de France is fed by the Seine River tributaries that etch across the landscape. River deposits have created a perfect farming region which, historically, is the center of much of the French cuisine offerings.

If you are fortunate enough to acquire Aubervillier seeds, start a seed saving program to secure that particular form. Seed saving lets you share with friends and family and continue the tradition of a time honored garden favorite.

About Aubervilliers Heirloom Cabbage

Preserving heirloom cabbage plants and other historic produce is an important heritage responsibility. Protecting the seed banks of our ancestor's food crops ensures continued diversity in future farming and allows us to glimpse the past and enjoy the unique fruits and vegetables of a time long gone.

Aubervilliers cabbage is a large drumhead Savoy form. It has crinkly leaves, tender crunch, resists bolting and is never bitter. The broad, light green leaved head withstands early winter frosts and is generally harvested in autumn to early winter. In fact, the vegetable provided food for the Paris region well into the cold season. Aubervilliers produces a 3-pound head of cabbage in just over 70 days, making it a fast late crop having a variety of culinary applications, such as cabbage soup and cabbage galette.

Growing Heirloom Cabbage

Brassica oleracea capitata sabauda is the scientific salutation for the Aubervilliers' heirloom cabbage. While this sounds like a mouthful, it is an important designation for heirloom seed savers and biological geneticists. Aubervilliers is a brassica and keeping seed for future crops requires you to have numerous plants to keep a genetic balance. This is due to the cabbage's pollination scheme which transfers pollen from plant to plant.

You need a minimum of ten plants to protect the genetic purity of the cabbage. Sow seeds outside in prepared beds 12 to 14 weeks before your first frost. Thin the plants when they are 3 inches tall to one cabbage per 20 inches. Use the thinned plants in salad and stir fry.

You can harvest young cabbages early or wait until heads are firm when squeezed, generally well into fall. Save the stalks of the plants in damp sand in a cooler until spring. Replant them and allow the cabbage to flower and set seed. This will ensure a consistent supply of this old-fashioned cabbage with appealing flavor and texture.

Most of us are familiar with green cabbage, if only for its association with coleslaw, a popular side dish at BBQs and with fish and chips. I, for one, am not a huge fan of cabbage. Maybe it’s the unappetizing smell when cooked or the slightly rubbery texture. If you, like myself, dislike cabbage as a general rule, have I got a cabbage for you – savoy cabbage. What is savoy cabbage and how does savoy cabbage vs. green cabbage stack up? Let’s find out!

What is Savoy Cabbage?

Savoy cabbage belongs in the Brassica genus along with broccoli and Brussels sprouts. This low calorie veggie is used both fresh and cooked and is high in potassium and other minerals and vitamins A, K and C. The most obvious difference between common green cabbage and savoy is its appearance. It has multi-hued shades of green foliage that is typically tighter at the center, gradually unfurling to reveal curly, puckered leaves. The center of the cabbage looks a bit brain-like with raised veins running throughout. Although the leaves look like they might be tough, the wonderful appeal of savoy leaves is that they are remarkably tender even when raw. This makes them perfect for use in fresh salads, as vegetable wraps or as a bed for fish, rice and other entrees. And they make even tastier coleslaw than their green cousin. The leaves are milder and sweeter than those of green cabbage. Intrigued? Then I bet you are wondering how to grow savoy cabbage.

How to Grow Savoy Cabbage

Growing savoy cabbage is similar to growing any other cabbage. Both are cold hardy, but savoy is by far the most cold hardy of the cabbages. Plan to set out new plants in the spring early enough so they can mature before the heat of summer. Sow seeds 4 weeks before the last frost for plants to be transplanted in June and plant fall cabbage 6-8 weeks before the first frost of your area. Allow the plants to harden and acclimate to the colder temps before transplanting. Transplant the savoy, allowing 2 feet (.6 m.) between rows and 15-18 inches (38-46 cm.) between plants in a site with at least 6 hours of sun. The soil should have a pH of between 6.5 and 6.8, be moist, well-draining and rich in organic matter for the most optimal conditions when growing savoy cabbage. If you start with these requirements, caring for savoy cabbage is fairly labor free. When caring for savoy cabbage, it’s a good idea to mulch with compost, finely ground leaves or bark to keep the soil cool, moist and low on weeds. Keep the plants consistently moist so they don’t stress out; apply 1- 1 ½ inches (2.5-3.8 cm.) of water per week depending upon rainfall. Fertilize the plants with a liquid fertilizer, such as fish emulsion, or 20-20-20 once they develop new leaves, and again when the heads begin to form. Follow these instructions and you will be eating delicious Brassica oleracea bullata sabauda (say that a few times really fast!) either fresh or cooked. Oh, and the good news about cooked savoy cabbage, it lacks the unpleasant sulfur odor that other cabbages have when cooked.

Growing vegetables in containers is a great alternative to planting them in beds in the ground. Whether you’re short on space, have poor soil, or can’t or don’t want to bend all the way down to the ground, containers can be just the thing you need. Keep reading to learn how to grow cabbage in containers.

Growing Cabbage in Pots

Can you grow cabbage in a pot? Of course you can! Growing cabbage in containers is easy, as long as you don’t crowd them. Cabbage plants can get huge, growing as high as 4 feet (1 m.) and nearly as wide. Limit your plants to one per 5-gallon (19 L.) container. Your container grown cabbage will still grow planted closer together, but the heads will be noticeably smaller. Cabbage grows best when the daytime temperature is around 60 degrees F. (15 C.) and, in most places, it can be grown as both a spring and fall crop. Start your seeds indoors four weeks before your last frost date in spring or six to eight weeks before your first frost date in autumn. Transplant your seedlings into your large outdoor containers when they’re about a month old.

Care for Cabbages in Pots

Cabbage container care can be tricky. Cabbage needs steady, frequent watering to encourage healthy growth. Don’t overwater, though, or the heads may split! Give your plants a good drink two to three times a week. Pests can be a real problem with cabbage, and while growing cabbage in containers gives you the great advantage of being able to use fresh, uncontaminated soil, even container grown cabbage isn’t completely safe. Put fabric around your young plants to prevent cabbage worms and cabbage root maggots from laying their eggs in the soil. Wrap the base of your plants’ stalks with cardboard or tin foil to thwart cutworms. If your container grown cabbage gets infected in any way, discard the soil at the end of the season. Don’t reuse it!

When you mention to neighbors that you are growing walking stick cabbage, the most likely response will be: “What is walking stick cabbage?” Walking stick cabbage plants (Brassica oleracea var. longata) produce cabbage type leaves atop a long, sturdy stem. The stem can be dried, varnished, and used as a walking stick. Some call this vegetable “walking stick kale.” All agree that it is among the more unusual garden veggies. Read on for information about how to grow walking stick cabbage.

What is Walking Stick Cabbage?

Walking stick cabbage is not well known, but those gardeners who grow it, love it. It almost looks like a Dr. Seuss plant, with a very tall, sturdy stem, up to 18 feet (5.5 m.) high, topped by a fluff of cabbage/kale leaves. Native to the Channel Islands, it is an edible ornamental and will certainly attract attention in your garden. The plant grows faster than Jack’s beanstalk. Its stalk shoots up 10 feet (3 m.) in one season, producing enough leaves to keep you in vegetables for the season. It’s a short-lived perennial in USDA zones 7 or above, standing in your garden for two or three years. In cooler regions, it is grown as an annual.

How to Grow Walking Stick Cabbage

Walking stick cabbage plants are almost as easy to grow as regular cabbage or kale. Walking stick cabbage growing should occur in neutral soil, with a pH of between 6.5 and 7. The plant does not do well in acidic soils. The soil must have excellent drainage and should be amended with a few inches (8 cm.) of organic compost before planting. Start walking stick cabbage seeds indoors about five weeks before the last projected frost. Keep the containers on a windowsill in a room around 55 degrees F. (13 C.). After a month, transplant the young seedlings outdoors, allowing each plant at least 40 inches (102 cm.) of elbow room on each side. Walking stick cabbage growing requires weekly irrigation. Immediately after transplanting, give the young walking stick cabbage plants 2 inches (5 cm.) of water, then another 2 inches (5 cm.) per week during the growing season. Stake the plant as it starts to grow taller.

Can You Eat Walking Stick Cabbage?

Don’t be embarrassed to ask, “Can you eat walking stick cabbage?” It’s such an unusual looking plant it is hard to imagine it as a crop. The simple answer, though, is yes, you can harvest and eat the leaves of the plant. You are better off not attempting to eat the thick stem, however.

Cabbages are a relatively easy vegetable to grow, but as with any garden crop, they are prone to some issues. Perhaps the leaves are touching the ground and beginning to rot, or leaves are hanging over other crops because the plant hasn't headed yet. The answer would be in pruning the cabbage leaves, but can you prune cabbage? Let's find out.

Can You Prune Cabbage?

Cabbages are cool season veggies that have a long shelf life of several weeks when kept in the refrigerator. Prior to harvest, cabbage must be nurtured and maintained as it grows, and part of this maintenance may include pruning cabbage plants. So, the answer is yes, pruning cabbage plants is possible and, in some cases, necessary. The purpose of pruning cabbage leaves back is to create overall healthier plants. Along with cabbage pruning, maintenance may also involve actual thinning. Thinning the cabbage is different than pruning and involves the removal of an entire plant, usually seedlings that were direct sown into the garden and are beginning to crowd each other. This allows space for the plant to mature and thrive. Either technique is used to promote the growth of healthy, productive plants and remove portions or entire plants that are not healthy or living up to your expectations. Cabbage pruning will allow the plant to focus all of its energy on becoming a healthy specimen.

How to Trim Cabbage

In some cases, pruning cabbage leaves may occur at any juncture of growth; for instance, the removal of leaves that are dragging on the ground and becoming ratty from being trod on, eaten, or mildewed. In other cases, the cabbage should be allowed to bloom. Remove unhealthy or limp leaves by either tearing them away or pruning with scissors or pruners. Also, sometimes you wish to remove what appear to be perfectly healthy leaves because they are encroaching on other plants prior to heading. Go for it, but don't throw the leaves away. This often occurs during the late spring months when the plant is growing rapidly and, as such, those trimmed back greens are often called “spring greens” and are delicious. Keep in mind, in the leaves of the cabbage lays the industry of the entire cabbage, so it is in the plants best interest to keep it free of unhealthy foliage.

Cabbages are cool weather crops, hardy and best grown in the spring and fall. Cabbages are a member of the cole crop family that includes broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts. When growing these plants, the question of tying up cabbage leaves often presents itself. Let's learn more.

Cabbage Head Tying

Easy to grow, provided cool temperatures abound, cabbages are nonetheless havens for a variety of pests such as:

• Cabbage loopers
• Slugs
• Imported cabbage worms
• Cabbage root maggots
• Aphids
• Flea beetles

To avoid the ravage that accompanies their presence, it's important to keep the garden clean of debris that fosters pest infestation. Some people use panty hose to tie up cabbage heads to deter cabbage moths from laying their eggs, which in turn become pesky cabbage worms. While this will probably work - I have not personally tried it - do you have to tie up cabbage heads? Is there another reason, beyond pest determent, in tying cabbage plant leaves?

Do You Have to Tie Up Cabbage?

No, there is no need for cabbage head tying. The cabbage will undoubtedly grow into a head without any interference from you. That being said, there are some varieties that can benefit from the tying up of cabbage leaves. Chinese cabbage, or Napa cabbage, is often tied up to engender a tighter head with whiter and tenderer leaves. This is sometimes referred to as “blanching.”

How to Tie Up Cabbage Heads

Use soft twine or other soft material to tie the cabbage heads and prevent damaging the outer leaves. Tie the cabbage head when it is almost mature and has a firm feel to it with large, loose outer foliage. Hold the inner leaves together with one hand while you tuck the outer leaves around the head. Then wrap the cabbage around the middle with the soft twine, creating a dense head. Tie the binding with a loose knot that can be easily opened when you harvest the cabbage head. Again, it is not strictly necessary to tie cabbage heads, but you may find doing so creates tighter, unblemished heads and in the process, deters the slugs and snails…or at least keeps them from eating the tender most inner leaves.