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USDA Hardiness Zones

2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11

USDA Zones 2-11 - Cabbage is grown as a cool-season annual across all zones. The key to success is timing the planting so the heads mature during cool, mild weather.

Best Performance - Thrives when daytime temperatures are consistently between 60-75 degrees F. Hot weather can cause heads to split or bolt. The flavor is famously improved by a light frost.

Northern Zones (2-6) - An excellent choice for a main season summer harvest. Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost and transplant out after the danger of a hard freeze. For a fall crop, sow seeds in mid-summer, 10-12 weeks before the first expected fall frost.

Hot Climate Zones (7-11) - Best grown as a fall, winter, and early spring crop. Plant seeds in late summer or early fall for a harvest throughout the cooler winter months. A very early spring planting is also possible if timed to mature before the summer heat arrives.

Soil Temperature - Seeds germinate best in cool soil, with an optimal range of 55-75 degrees F.

Growing Season - This is a fast-maturing variety. It requires approximately 65-75 days of cool weather from transplanting to form a mature head.

Learn more about USDA Hardiness Zones here

Planting Tips

When to Plant:
Cabbage is a cool-weather crop that can be planted for a spring or fall harvest.

For a spring/summer crop: Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before your last average frost date.

For a fall crop (recommended for best flavor): Start seeds indoors or direct sow in mid-to-late summer, about 10-12 weeks before your first expected fall frost.

Where to Plant:
Choose a location with full sun (at least 6-8 hours a day). Cabbage requires fertile, well-drained soil with a high amount of organic matter. It prefers a soil pH between 6.5 and 7.0.

How to Plant:

Starting Indoors: Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in seed trays. Keep moist. Harden off seedlings for 7-10 days before transplanting into the garden.

Transplanting: Space plants 18-24 inches apart in rows that are 2-3 feet apart. Closer spacing will result in smaller heads.

Direct Sowing: Plant seeds 1/2 inch deep and 4-6 inches apart. Once seedlings are 4-5 inches tall, thin them to their final 18-24 inch spacing.

Care & Maintenance:

Watering: Consistent watering is the most critical factor for cabbage. Provide 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week. Uneven watering can cause the heads to split. Water at the base of the plant to keep leaves dry.

Fertilizing: Cabbage is a very heavy feeder. The soil should be well-amended with compost or manure before planting. Side-dress the plants with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer 3-4 weeks after transplanting, and again when the heads begin to form.

Mulching: Apply a thick layer of mulch to help retain soil moisture, keep the soil cool, and suppress weeds.

Cabbage Seeds - Copenhagen Market Early Cabbage - Brassica oleracea

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