Cabbage

Variety History

Early Jersey Wakefield, introduced in the 1840s, was the standard early cabbage in America for over a century. Its conical shape sheds water and resists splitting better than round cabbages.

Regional Context

Cabbage thrives in the PNW — our cool climate is ideal. Early Jersey Wakefield is a classic early cabbage with pointed heads, ready in 60-70 days. For storage, try Danish Ballhead or Storage No. 4. Plant in spring for summer harvest, or in July for winter storage cabbage. Properly stored cabbage keeps until March.

Growing Technique

Start indoors 6-8 weeks before transplanting (February for April transplant). Cabbage is a heavy feeder — work compost into planting holes. Space 12-18" apart (1 per sq ft). Side-dress with fish fertilizer when heads begin to form. Keep evenly moist — irregular watering causes split heads. Mulch to keep soil cool and moist. Harvest when heads are firm (squeeze test — no give) by cutting at base with a sharp knife. For storage varieties, harvest before hard freezes. Spring-planted cabbage is ready June-July; fall-planted cabbage (start July) is ready October-November.

Watch For

• Cabbage worms are the bane of cabbage growing — green caterpillars from white butterflies that skeletonize leaves. Floating row cover from transplant through harvest is the most reliable defense, or Bt spray weekly. Clubroot (swollen, distorted roots) in acidic soil — lime heavily and rotate crops. Splitting heads from heavy rain after drought — harvest promptly when mature. Aphids deep in head crevices — impossible to remove, so prevent with row cover.

Recipes