A Comprehensive Guide to Growing Cabbage at Home

ByVictoria Arias
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Are you thinking of planting cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) in your garden this season? Choosing the right variety can make a big difference in your harvest. From sweet and mild flavors to bold and colorful options, there are numerous cabbage varieties to suit every gardener’s preferences.

Cabbage can be grown in a wide range of US Hardiness Zones, making it a versatile choice for many gardeners. In this article, we will explore different types of cabbage and highlight our top picks for growing in your garden.

What You’ll Learn

In this comprehensive guide, we will cover the basics of cabbage, including its different varieties and how to grow them successfully. Here are our top picks for cabbage varieties that are well-suited for home gardens:

  • Brunswick
  • Charleston Wakefield
  • Earliana
  • Golden Acre
  • January King
  • Late Flat Dutch
  • Mammoth Red Rock
  • Red Acre
  • Savoy Perfection

Cabbage Basics

Cabbage is a cruciferous vegetable that belongs to the Brassicacae family, which also includes popular cole crops like cauliflower, broccoli, kale, and collard greens. These cool-weather crops form tight heads with either smooth, flat leaves or wrinkled, less tightly packed leaves, such as in Savoy varieties.

The cabbage varieties we will discuss in this article are different from Asian cabbage cultivars like napa cabbage and bok choy. They are best suited for a spring or fall harvest, providing a nutritious addition to your kitchen.

Our Top Picks

Whether you prefer green, red, or savoy cabbage, there are numerous heirloom and hybrid varieties to choose from. Here are some of our top picks for cabbage varieties that you can grow at home:

1. Brunswick

  • Description: A German heirloom with large solid heads.
  • Growing Conditions: Cold-hardy and versatile for northern growers.
  • Harvest Time: Ready to harvest in 85-95 days.

2. Charleston Wakefield

  • Description: An open-pollinated heirloom with compact, dark green heads.
  • Growing Conditions: Heat tolerant and suitable for most US regions.
  • Harvest Time: Matures in 70-80 days.

3. Earliana

  • Description: An early-maturing cabbage variety.
  • Growing Conditions: Ready to harvest in just 60 days.
  • Harvest Time: Compact heads weighing around two pounds.

4. Golden Acre

  • Description: An heirloom variety with sweet, green heads.
  • Growing Conditions: Thrives in Zones 3-12.
  • Harvest Time: Resistant to yellowing diseases.

5. January King

  • Description: A hardy winter cabbage with large green and purple leaves.
  • Growing Conditions: Ideal for winter vegetable gardens.
  • Harvest Time: Store well and mature in 150-200 days.

6. Late Flat Dutch

  • Description: A large cabbage variety with 10-15 pound heads.
  • Growing Conditions: Suitable for Zones 1-10.
  • Harvest Time: Ready for harvest after 100 days.

7. Mammoth Red Rock

  • Description: A red heirloom variety with bright purple heads.
  • Growing Conditions: Planted in full sun and spaced 18-24 inches apart.
  • Harvest Time: Ready for harvest after 90-100 days.

8. Red Acre

  • Description: Bright purple-red leaves with heads weighing up to four pounds.
  • Growing Conditions: Suitable for Zones 3-9.
  • Harvest Time: Ready for harvest in 75-100 days.

9. Savoy Perfection

  • Description: Crinkled, green leaves ideal for contrasting other varieties.
  • Growing Conditions: Suitable for Zones 3-12.
  • Harvest Time: Heads of four to six inches in diameter ready after 90 days.

A Kitchen Staple

Now that you’re familiar with nine of our favorite cabbage varieties, it’s time to choose the ones that suit your preferences. Once you receive your seeds, make sure to read the seed packet for detailed growing information.

Have you tried growing cabbage before? Do you have a favorite variety? Share your experiences in the comments below!

For more information on growing cabbage, check out these helpful articles:

  • How to Harvest Cabbage
  • How to Eradicate Cabbage Worms on Cole Crops and Crucifers
  • How Nutritious is Raw Cabbage?
  • Identify, Prevent, and Treat Common Cabbage Diseases

Cabbage is a versatile and nutritious vegetable that can be a great addition to your home garden. With the right variety and growing conditions, you can enjoy fresh cabbage throughout the growing season. Experiment with different varieties and find the ones that suit your taste preferences and gardening practices. Happy gardening!

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