Heirloom Cabbage Planting Guide: From Seed to Harvest

Brassica oleracea, commonly known as cabbage, is a hardy, biennial, cool-season vegetable that thrives in regions with mild summers. Heirloom cabbage varieties, which have been passed down through generations for their reliable growth and distinctive flavors, offer a rewarding gardening experience. To grow heirloom cabbage successfully, it’s essential to understand the different types of cabbage, ideal planting conditions, and proper care techniques. This heirloom cabbage planting guide will cover everything you need to know about planting heirloom cabbage and how to grow heirloom cabbage to ensure a bountiful harvest.

Quick Start Heirloom Cabbage Planting Guide – Complete Planting Guide Below

Heirloom / Open Pollinated Cabbages are a hardy, biennial, cool season crop, growing best where the summers are mild. Early maturing heirloom cabbage varieties are planted in the spring, and longer season heirloom varieties are usually planted in summer for a fall harvest. Start spring cabbage varieties indoors 6-8 wks before last frost or direct seed in full sun. Plant seeds ¼-½” deep, 4-6″ apart, in rows 2-3′ apart. Germination usually occurs in 5-17 days in soil 55-75°F. Thin heirloom cabbage plants to or set out transplants 15-24″ apart. Harvest early cabbage varieties promptly to avoid bursting, later types will hold in the field longer. At harvest, keep 2-3 wrapper leaves to protect heirloom cabbage heads from bruising.

The Complete Planting Guide for Heirloom Cabbage: From Seed to Harvest

Heirloom cabbages come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and flavors. They are often classified as either early maturing or late-season varieties. Early heirloom cabbage varieties are typically harvested in the spring and summer, while late-season types are better suited for a fall harvest. The most popular types include:

1. Green Cabbage – The classic round, firm heads with smooth, green leaves. Green heirloom varieties like ‘Golden Acre’ mature quickly, making them ideal for spring planting.
2. Red Cabbage – Known for its striking purple-red leaves, red cabbage varieties such as ‘Red Acre’ are commonly used in salads and pickling due to their vibrant color and slightly peppery flavor.
3. Savoy Cabbage – Features crinkled leaves and a milder flavor. The heirloom variety ‘Perfection Drumhead Savoy’ is a popular choice for fall planting.

Choosing the right heirloom cabbage variety will depend on your local climate, intended harvest season, and culinary preferences.

When to Plant Heirloom Cabbage

The timing for planting heirloom cabbage depends on the variety you select and the season you aim to harvest.

• Spring Planting: For early-maturing varieties, start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your area’s last expected frost date. This allows the plants to establish before being transplanted outdoors.
• Summer Planting: For late-season or storage types, sow seeds directly in the garden during mid-summer for a fall harvest. Heirloom cabbage can handle light frosts, which help improve the flavor of the heads.

How to Grow Heirloom Cabbage: Starting Seeds Indoors

Starting heirloom cabbage seeds indoors gives you a head start on the growing season and allows you to control the environment for optimal germination. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Prepare Seed Trays: Fill seed trays or small pots with a high-quality seed-starting mix. Sow heirloom cabbage seeds ¼-½ inch deep and lightly cover with soil.
2. Provide Adequate Light and Temperature: Place trays under grow lights or in a sunny window where they receive at least 6-8 hours of light per day. Maintain soil temperatures between 55°F and 75°F for germination, which typically occurs within 5-17 days.
3. Thin Seedlings: Once seedlings have two sets of true leaves, thin them to the strongest plants or transplant them to larger containers to continue growing indoors until it’s time to move them outside.

Transplanting and Direct Seeding Heirloom Cabbage

Heirloom cabbage seedlings are ready to be transplanted outdoors when they have 3-4 true leaves and nighttime temperatures stay above 45°F. If direct seeding, follow these guidelines to ensure healthy growth:

1. Site Selection: Choose a sunny location with at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily. Heirloom cabbage prefers well-drained soil rich in organic matter, with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8.
2. Prepare the Soil: Before planting, amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility. Cabbage is a heavy feeder, so soil preparation is key to a successful harvest.
3. Plant Spacing: For transplants, set them 15-24 inches apart in rows that are spaced 2-3 feet apart. When direct seeding, plant seeds 4-6 inches apart and ¼-½ inch deep. Once seedlings are established, thin them to the same spacing as transplants.
4. Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during hot, dry spells. Mulching around the base of plants can help retain soil moisture and reduce weed growth.

Caring for Your Heirloom Cabbage

To ensure robust growth and prevent common cabbage problems, it’s important to care for your heirloom cabbage plants properly.

1. Fertilizing: Cabbage plants benefit from regular feeding. Apply a balanced fertilizer or compost tea every 3-4 weeks to support their growth. Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen, which can result in lush leaves but smaller heads.
2. Mulching: Use organic mulch, such as straw or grass clippings, to help maintain soil moisture, control weeds, and protect roots from temperature fluctuations.
3. Pest and Disease Control: Heirloom cabbage is prone to pests like cabbage worms, aphids, and cabbage loopers. Use row covers to protect young plants from pests or apply organic insecticides like neem oil if infestations occur. Rotate crops yearly to reduce disease risk.

Common Heirloom Cabbage Problems and Solutions

Even with the best care, you may encounter some issues while growing heirloom cabbage. Here are a few common problems and how to address them:

1. Cabbage Head Splitting: This occurs when mature heads receive excessive water after a dry spell. To avoid splitting, water consistently and harvest early varieties promptly. You can also twist the plant slightly in the ground to break some roots and reduce water uptake.
2. Clubroot Disease: This soil-borne fungal disease affects cabbage roots, causing stunted growth. Prevent clubroot by rotating crops and adjusting the soil pH to at least 7.0 with lime.
3. Cabbage Worms: These green caterpillars can be controlled using Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), a natural bacterial insecticide, or by picking them off by hand.

Harvesting Heirloom Cabbage

Knowing when to harvest heirloom cabbage is crucial for the best flavor and texture. Follow these tips for a successful harvest:

1. Harvest Early Varieties Promptly: Early-maturing heirloom cabbages should be harvested as soon as they reach full size to avoid head splitting. These types will not hold in the field as long as late-season varieties.
2. Cut the Heads at the Base: Use a sharp knife to cut the cabbage head from the stem, leaving a few inches of stem in the ground. This allows secondary heads to form, providing an additional, smaller harvest later on.
3. Leave Wrapper Leaves: Retain 2-3 outer leaves on the cabbage heads to protect them from bruising during storage. These leaves also help preserve moisture in the head.

, you’ll gain valuable experience and deepen your understanding of plant life cycles, making you a more self-sufficient and knowledgeable gardener.

Managing Pests and Diseases in Heirloom Cabbage

Heirloom cabbage, like other members of the Brassica family, can attract several pests and diseases that may affect growth and reduce yield. Effective pest and disease management involves a combination of preventive measures, organic control options, and careful monitoring throughout the growing season. In this section, we’ll discuss common cabbage pests and diseases, along with proven strategies to keep your heirloom cabbage plants healthy and productive.

1. Common Pests of Heirloom Cabbage and How to Manage Them

Several pests target cabbage plants, and identifying them early is key to managing infestations. Here are some of the most common pests and organic solutions to control them:

1. Cabbage Worms (Cabbage Loopers, Imported Cabbageworms, Diamondback Moths):
2. Identification: Cabbage worms are small, green caterpillars that feed on cabbage leaves, leaving behind irregular holes and often hiding along the midribs.
3. Control Methods:
   • Hand-Picking: Check plants regularly and remove any caterpillars by hand, especially in the early morning.
   • Row Covers: Cover young plants with floating row covers to physically block moths from laying eggs on the cabbage leaves.
   • Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt): This organic, soil-dwelling bacteria targets caterpillars without harming beneficial insects. Apply Bt spray to plants according to label instructions to control cabbage worms effectively.
4. Aphids:
5. Identification: Aphids are tiny, soft-bodied insects that cluster on the undersides of leaves, sucking sap from the plant. Infested leaves may appear curled or discolored.
6. Control Methods:
   • Natural Predators: Introduce ladybugs or lacewings, which are natural predators of aphids.
   • Neem Oil or Insecticidal Soap: Spray affected plants with neem oil or insecticidal soap, targeting the undersides of leaves.
   • Water Spray: For light infestations, a strong spray of water can dislodge aphids from the plant.
7. Cabbage Root Maggot:
8. Identification: Cabbage root maggots are small white larvae that feed on cabbage roots, causing plants to wilt and die if untreated.
9. Control Methods:
   • Crop Rotation: Avoid planting cabbage and other Brassica family members in the same spot every year to prevent root maggots from overwintering in the soil.
   • Row Covers: Use row covers to prevent adult flies from laying eggs near the base of plants.
   • Beneficial Nematodes: Applying beneficial nematodes to the soil can help control maggots by infecting and killing larvae in the ground.
10. Flea Beetles:
11. Identification: Flea beetles are tiny, black or bronze beetles that chew small, round holes in cabbage leaves, leaving a shot-hole appearance.
12. Control Methods:
    • Mulching: Apply a thick layer of mulch around plants to deter flea beetles from laying eggs near the base.
    • Row Covers: Protect plants with row covers to keep flea beetles away, especially during early growth stages.
    • Neem Oil or Diatomaceous Earth: Apply neem oil to the foliage or dust plants with diatomaceous earth to reduce flea beetle populations.

2. Common Diseases in Heirloom Cabbage and How to Manage Them

Diseases in cabbage plants are typically caused by fungi, bacteria, or viruses and can quickly spread in the right conditions. Here are common cabbage diseases and strategies for prevention and control:

1. Black Rot:
2. Identification: Black rot is a bacterial disease that causes yellowing, wilting, and blackened veins in cabbage leaves, often forming a characteristic V-shape on leaf edges.
3. Control Methods:
   • Rotate Crops: Rotate cabbage and other Brassica crops every 3-4 years to reduce bacterial buildup in the soil.
   • Remove Infected Plants: Promptly remove and destroy infected plants to prevent the disease from spreading.
   • Use Clean Seeds: Only plant certified disease-free seeds, as black rot can be transmitted through contaminated seeds.
4. Clubroot:
5. Identification: Clubroot is a soil-borne fungal disease that causes swollen, distorted roots and stunted, yellowing plants.
6. Control Methods:
   • Adjust Soil pH: Clubroot thrives in acidic soil. Liming the soil to raise the pH to at least 7.0 can help prevent clubroot infections.
   • Crop Rotation: Rotate cabbage and other Brassica crops to prevent clubroot spores from accumulating in the soil.
   • Sanitation: Avoid introducing contaminated soil or equipment into clean areas to reduce the risk of spreading clubroot.
7. Downy Mildew:
8. Identification: Downy mildew is a fungal disease that causes yellow spots on the tops of leaves and a grayish mold on the undersides.
9. Control Methods:
   • Watering Practices: Water plants at the base rather than overhead, as wet foliage promotes downy mildew growth.
   • Plant Spacing: Ensure adequate spacing between plants to improve airflow and reduce humidity around the foliage.
   • Copper-Based Fungicides: Apply copper-based fungicides as a preventative measure if downy mildew is a recurrent problem.
10. Powdery Mildew:
11. Identification: Powdery mildew appears as white, powdery spots on the leaves, stems, and buds of the cabbage plant.
12. Control Methods:
    • Watering Practices: Water at the base and avoid wetting foliage, especially in humid conditions.
    • Milk Spray: A homemade milk spray (a 1:9 ratio of milk to water) can be effective against powdery mildew when applied to affected leaves.
    • Baking Soda Solution: A solution of 1 teaspoon baking soda and a few drops of dish soap mixed in a quart of water can be sprayed on leaves to prevent mildew growth.

3. General Pest and Disease Prevention Tips

Effective pest and disease management often begins with preventive measures. Here are general tips to keep your cabbage plants healthy and resilient:

1. Crop Rotation: Rotate crops each year to prevent soil-borne diseases and reduce pest populations. Avoid planting cabbage and other Brassica family members in the same location more than once every 3-4 years.
2. Use Resistant Varieties: Some heirloom cabbage varieties have natural resistance to specific diseases. Research varieties that are resistant to common problems in your area to minimize issues.
3. Sanitation: Keep the garden free of plant debris, as decaying leaves can harbor pests and diseases. After harvest, remove all cabbage residues and dispose of them to reduce disease overwintering.
4. Monitor Regularly: Check plants regularly for signs of pests and diseases. Early detection allows for quick intervention and minimizes the spread of problems.
5. Encourage Beneficial Insects: Ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps feed on common cabbage pests. Plant companion plants like dill, fennel, or marigolds to attract these beneficial insects to your garden.
6. Provide Proper Spacing and Air Circulation: Crowded plants with poor airflow are more susceptible to fungal diseases. Follow recommended spacing guidelines to allow air circulation and reduce humidity around plants.

Managing pests and diseases in heirloom cabbage involves a proactive approach that combines cultural practices, organic treatments, and consistent monitoring. By staying vigilant and applying these strategies, you can keep your cabbage plants healthy and productive, resulting in a plentiful, high-quality harvest.

Storing and Preserving Heirloom Cabbage

After growing a successful heirloom cabbage crop, it’s important to store and preserve the heads properly to extend their freshness and make the most of your harvest. Heirloom cabbage can be stored in several ways, from short-term refrigeration to long-term preservation techniques like fermenting, pickling, and dehydrating. Here’s a detailed guide on how to store and preserve heirloom cabbage effectively.

1. Short-Term Storage

For those looking to use their cabbage within a few weeks, short-term storage is simple and keeps the cabbage fresh and crisp.

1. Refrigeration: Heirloom cabbage can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. To keep it fresh:
2. Leave a few outer leaves on the cabbage heads. These wrapper leaves protect the inner leaves from drying out and add an extra layer of insulation.
3. Wrap the head loosely in a plastic bag or place it in the crisper drawer to help maintain moisture.
4. Avoid washing cabbage before storing, as the extra moisture can lead to quicker spoilage. Wash it just before use.
5. Room Temperature Storage: In cool, dry areas (around 50-60°F), certain heirloom cabbage varieties can last a few days without refrigeration. However, this is best suited for short-term storage as cabbage wilts and deteriorates more quickly at room temperature.

2. Long-Term Storage

If you’ve harvested a large quantity of cabbage or want to extend the storage period, there are several long-term storage options that keep cabbage usable for months. Late-season heirloom varieties are generally better suited for long-term storage.

1. Root Cellar or Cold Storage: If you have a root cellar or a cool, dark place with consistent humidity (around 90-95%), cabbage can last up to 3-4 months. Here’s how to store cabbage in a root cellar:
2. Trim any damaged or wilted leaves, but leave a few wrapper leaves for protection.
3. Place the cabbage heads on a shelf or hang them by their stems to allow air circulation around each head.
4. Check stored cabbage regularly for signs of mold or decay and remove any affected heads to prevent spoilage from spreading.
5. Freezing: While freezing changes the texture of cabbage, it’s a good way to preserve it for use in cooked dishes. Follow these steps to freeze cabbage:
6. Wash and cut the cabbage into quarters or strips.
7. Blanch cabbage pieces in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then transfer to an ice bath to cool.
8. Pat dry, portion into freezer-safe bags, remove as much air as possible, and freeze.
9. Frozen cabbage will last for up to 12 months and is ideal for soups, stews, and casseroles.

3. Preservation Methods

Preserving cabbage allows you to enjoy its flavor throughout the year in various ways. These methods are perfect for enhancing the flavor of cabbage and extending its shelf life significantly.

1. Fermentation (Sauerkraut): Fermented cabbage, or sauerkraut, is a traditional preservation method that adds a tangy flavor to cabbage while boosting its nutritional benefits.
2. Shred the cabbage and mix it with non-iodized salt (2% salt by weight of cabbage).
3. Massage the salt into the cabbage until it releases liquid, then pack the cabbage tightly into a clean fermentation jar or crock.
4. Ensure the cabbage is submerged in its liquid. Use a weight to keep it submerged, and cover with a cloth to keep out debris.
5. Allow the cabbage to ferment at room temperature for 1-4 weeks, tasting periodically until it reaches your preferred flavor.
6. Store finished sauerkraut in the refrigerator, where it can last up to 6 months.
7. Pickling: Pickling cabbage in vinegar is another tasty way to preserve it, adding acidity and flavor while extending its shelf life.
8. Prepare a pickling brine using vinegar, water, salt, and any preferred spices (like mustard seeds, bay leaves, or peppercorns).
9. Shred the cabbage and pack it into sterilized jars.
10. Pour the brine over the cabbage, leaving about half an inch of space at the top, then seal tightly.
11. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 months, or process in a water bath for 10-15 minutes to create shelf-stable pickles that last up to a year.
12. Dehydrating: Dehydrating cabbage is a space-efficient way to preserve it, perfect for soups and stews.
13. Shred the cabbage or cut it into thin slices, then blanch in boiling water for 1-2 minutes.
14. Spread cabbage slices on dehydrator trays and dry at 125°F for 8-12 hours or until completely dry and crisp.
15. Store dried cabbage in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Properly dehydrated cabbage can last up to 1 year.

Tips for Successful Cabbage Storage and Preservation

1. Temperature and Humidity: Cabbage keeps best at a cool, consistent temperature with high humidity. For long-term storage in a root cellar, aim for 32-40°F with 90-95% humidity to prevent drying.
2. Inspect Regularly: Check stored cabbage every few weeks to spot and remove any heads showing signs of mold or decay. This helps prevent spoilage from spreading.
3. Harvesting and Handling: Harvest cabbage on a dry day, handle heads gently, and leave a few wrapper leaves on each head to minimize bruising and damage during storage.
4. Experiment with Preservation Techniques: Different heirloom cabbage varieties may respond better to one preservation method than another. For example, savoy cabbage is ideal for fresh use, while firmer green cabbage varieties are better suited for fermentation and pickling.

Storing and preserving heirloom cabbage allows you to enjoy your harvest long after the growing season ends. Whether you store it fresh, freeze it, or try your hand at making sauerkraut, these techniques help maximize the use of your cabbage crop and provide nutritious, delicious options year-round.

Saving Seeds from Heirloom Cabbage

Saving seeds from heirloom cabbage is an excellent way to preserve the unique traits of each variety and ensure a sustainable garden from season to season. Unlike hybrid varieties, heirloom cabbage is open-pollinated, meaning the seeds will produce plants with the same characteristics as the parent plant. This chapter will walk you through the steps of seed saving, from understanding cabbage’s biennial life cycle to harvesting, processing, and storing seeds.

Understanding the Biennial Life Cycle of Cabbage

Cabbage is a biennial plant, which means it completes its life cycle over two growing seasons. In the first year, the cabbage focuses on growing its edible leaves and forming a head. The second year is when it flowers and produces seeds. This two-year process is essential to remember if you plan to save seeds, as the plant must survive through winter (or be stored and replanted) to produce seeds the following spring.

1. Year One: During the first growing season, the cabbage plant produces a head, which is what we typically harvest and eat. If you plan to save seeds, leave some plants in the ground and avoid harvesting their heads.
2. Overwintering: For cabbage to produce seeds, it must go through a period of cold weather to initiate flowering. In cold climates, plants may require extra protection, while in mild climates, they can stay in the garden. Alternatively, you can dig up the plants, store them in a cool place for winter, and replant them in spring.
3. Year Two: As temperatures warm up, the cabbage plant will send up a flower stalk. Small yellow flowers will bloom, and then seed pods (called siliques) will form. These pods contain the seeds that will be harvested once they mature and dry.

Step-by-Step Guide to Saving Heirloom Cabbage Seeds

Saving cabbage seeds requires patience and careful planning. Here’s how to successfully harvest and store cabbage seeds:

1. Select Healthy Plants for Seed Production – Choose the strongest, healthiest cabbage plants for seed production. Look for traits like vigor, disease resistance, and strong head formation. This selection process ensures that future generations inherit the best characteristics.
2. Overwinter the Plants – If you live in a region with harsh winters, cabbage plants need protection to survive until the next growing season. Options include:

• Mulching in the Garden: Add a thick layer of straw or mulch to insulate the plants.
• Cold Frames or Row Covers: Provide extra insulation using cold frames or heavy-duty row covers.
• Indoor Storage: Dig up the cabbage plants, trim most outer leaves, and store them in a cool (35-40°F), humid location like a root cellar. Replant them in spring when the weather warms.

1. Replant in Spring and Allow Flowering – Once the cabbage plants have overwintered and you’ve replanted them, they will focus on flowering in the spring. The plants will develop tall flower stalks with yellow flowers, which will be pollinated by insects. Since cabbage is a cross-pollinating plant, keep different cabbage varieties at least 1,000 feet apart to ensure seed purity.
2. Monitor and Harvest Seed Pods – After pollination, the cabbage will develop seed pods along the flower stalk. Allow these pods to mature and dry on the plant. Once they turn brown and brittle, it’s time to harvest them. Carefully cut the stalks and place them in a paper bag to catch any seeds that may fall during handling.

Processing and Cleaning Cabbage Seeds

After harvesting, you’ll need to separate the seeds from the pods and prepare them for storage.

1. Dry the Seed Pods Completely – Hang the cut stalks in a dry, well-ventilated area to finish drying. Ensure there is no moisture left in the pods, as dampness can lead to mold and spoilage.
2. Threshing the Seeds – Once dry, gently crush the pods to release the seeds. You can do this by placing the pods in a bag and rolling over them with your hands or a small object. Avoid crushing too hard to prevent damaging the seeds.
3. Winnowing and Cleaning – After separating the seeds from the broken pod material, winnow the seeds by lightly blowing over them or using a fan to remove chaff and debris. Repeat this process until only clean seeds remain.

Storing Heirloom Cabbage Seeds

Proper storage ensures that your heirloom cabbage seeds remain viable for years to come. Follow these tips for optimal seed storage:

1. Drying Seeds Further (Optional) – To extend seed longevity, consider drying the seeds further in a dry, warm area. Aim for a moisture content of less than 10% for long-term storage.
2. Choose the Right Container – Store seeds in an airtight container, such as a glass jar or a sealed plastic bag. Label each container with the cabbage variety, date, and any other relevant information.
3. Cool, Dark Storage – Keep seeds in a cool, dark location. A refrigerator works well for storing seeds, as it provides both the cool temperatures and humidity control necessary to maintain seed viability.
4. Seed Viability – Cabbage seeds can remain viable for up to 4-5 years if stored under the right conditions. Check seed viability each season by germinating a small sample, and replace seeds as needed.

Pollination and Seed Purity Considerations

Heirloom cabbage is part of the Brassica family, which also includes plants like broccoli, cauliflower, and kale. These plants can cross-pollinate with one another if they flower at the same time, so it’s essential to maintain adequate distance between varieties if you plan to save seeds. Alternatively, you can grow only one type of Brassica each season or stagger plantings to prevent cross-pollination.

Benefits of Saving Heirloom Cabbage Seeds

By saving seeds, you’re preserving the unique traits of heirloom cabbage varieties, creating a garden that reflects your preferences, and reducing reliance on commercial seeds. Additionally, each generation of saved seeds becomes more adapted to your specific growing conditions, leading to stronger, more resilient plants over time.

Saving seeds from heirloom cabbage may require some patience, but it’s an incredibly rewarding process that connects you with the heritage of heirloom gardening. As you practice saving seeds each year, you’ll gain valuable experience and deepen your understanding of plant life cycles, making you a more self-sufficient and knowledgeable gardener.

Conclusion

Growing heirloom cabbage can be a gratifying experience for both beginner and experienced gardeners. By choosing the right variety, providing proper care, and understanding the unique needs of your plants, you can enjoy fresh, flavorful heirloom cabbage throughout the growing season. Use this heirloom cabbage planting guide to help you get started, and soon you’ll master how to grow heirloom cabbage and enjoy the satisfaction of harvesting your own homegrown produce.

FAQ: Heirloom Cabbage Planting Guide