Cool-season heads for slaws, sautés, and fermenting
Cabbage Seeds in this collection focus on firm, dense heads and crinkled savoy types suited to raw, cooked, and fermented dishes. Head cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) is prized for tight, crisp leaves, with heirloom and hybrid options among these brassica seeds, spanning classic slaw cabbage and sauerkraut cabbage lines. As a staple among cole crop seeds, selections include green, red, and savoy forms that balance sweetness, crunch, and leaf texture for shredding, braising, and fermenting. Together, these Cabbage Seeds support reliable kitchen use across seasons, from fresh salads to long-keeping jars.
Cool-season by nature, heading cabbage varieties handle chill well and are considered frost tolerant greens once established. For best results, provide full sun and a steady, fertile growing bed; transplant after the last hard frosts to avoid checks to growth. Many growers start seed indoors and transplant outdoors, using floating row cover to limit cabbage white butterfly visits and reduce caterpillar damage. Allow generous spacing for cabbage heads so plants build dense, even hearts, and maintain consistent moisture in firm soil to prevent splitting. Compact cabbage options within these Cabbage Seeds can perform in deep containers or large planters when given adequate root depth and regular watering.
The assortment spans early maturing cabbage for quick spring cutting, robust storage cabbage for extended keeping, and winter cabbage that carries through cooler conditions. Choices include red, green, and savoy types, alongside lines noted for clubroot resistant cabbage traits or improved tolerance where black rot resistant performance is valued. From delicate, crisp leaves for slaw cabbage to sturdy sauerkraut cabbage suited to fermenting, the range supports diverse culinary aims. With Brassica oleracea Seeds suited to succession planting brassicas, harvest windows can be staggered through the cool months, keeping the kitchen supplied as heads firm and mature. Across the category, Cabbage Seeds deliver dependable, flavorful heads for shredding, sautés, roasting, and fermenting.
Head cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata)
Explore related vegetable categories to round out plantings alongside head cabbage. This navigator includes the broader vegetables collection and nearby groups such as leafy greens, roots, and other brassicas. Use it to plan succession sowings, companion choices, and rotations across cool and warm spells. In short seasons, start indoors before the last frost; in mild climates, autumn sowings of cool-loving crops can extend harvests.
Head cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata)
Grow heading cabbage from brassica seeds in full sun and fertile, firm, moisture‑retentive yet well‑drained soil that is neutral to slightly alkaline. Start seed under cover in late winter to early spring; harden off and transplant outdoors after the last hard frosts. For autumn harvests, sow mid to late summer; in mild climates, autumn sowing may be possible. Keep moisture consistent and avoid waterlogging; mulch to steady soil humidity. This cold‑hardy cole crop benefits from early protection when young. Allow generous spacing so compact to storage types can form dense heads. Feed moderately and aim for even growth to prevent buttoning and splitting.
- Seed starting indoors improves uniformity; transplant outdoors when sturdy and plant into firm soil for strong anchorage.
- Use floating row cover to exclude cabbage white butterfly; inspect undersides of leaves and remove eggs or caterpillars promptly.
- Rotate cole crops for 3+ years and keep pH near neutral to deter clubroot; good hygiene helps reduce black rot risk.
- Adjust spacing for head size: closer for compact cabbage, wider for winter/storage types; maintain even water to limit splitting.
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Container-suitable: Grows in deep, wide containers with rich mix; keep evenly moist and support with mesh to deter pests.
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Edible: Dense heads suit slaw and sauerkraut; harvest when firm, leaving outer leaves to encourage small side heads.
When should I sow cabbage seeds indoors?
Sow cabbage seeds under cover in late winter to early spring so seedlings are ready to transplant after the last hard frosts. For autumn harvests, start seeds in mid to late summer, and in mild climates, autumn sowing may be possible. Provide strong light for sturdy growth, and keep seedlings in full sun conditions once they emerge. Harden off for a week before you transplant outdoors. Succession sow small batches within these windows to stagger harvests of spring cabbage, early maturing types, and storage cabbage.
How deep should I plant cabbage seeds, and what germination time and temperature do they need?
Plant cabbage seeds about 6–12 mm deep, cover lightly, and firm the surface so the medium is in close contact with the seed. Germination commonly takes 5–10 days when kept around 18–24°C (65–75°F), though cooler temperatures slow progress. Use a fine, well-drained seed mix and keep moisture even rather than wet. Good airflow helps prevent damping-off in brassica seeds. Once cotyledons expand, provide bright light and slightly cooler conditions to encourage stocky growth.
What spacing and care do cabbage plants need for reliable heads?
For many heading cabbage varieties, space compact types roughly 30–40 cm apart and larger sorts about 45–60 cm, with similar row spacing, adjusting to the size class on the seed packet. Choose a site in full sun with fertile, firm, moisture-retentive, well-drained soil that is neutral to slightly alkaline. Transplant outdoors after the last hard frosts, water in thoroughly, and keep soil consistently moist throughout head formation. Mulching, steady feeding, and firm footing support dense heads. Practice rotation with other cole crop seeds and remove debris to reduce disease pressure.
Can compact cabbage grow in containers, and what pot size works best?
Yes, compact cabbage for containers performs well in a single, sturdy pot of roughly 20–30 liters (5–7+ gallons), about 30–35 cm deep and wide. Plant one cabbage per container using a rich, well-drained growing medium and position in full sun. Water regularly so the root zone never fully dries, and feed periodically as potting mixes deplete nutrients faster. Low, sheltered placements help prevent wind rock, while surface mulch moderates moisture. Choose compact cabbage or mini ball-head types for the best results on patios and balconies.
Which cabbage seeds suit sauerkraut, salads, winter harvests, or early planting?
For sauerkraut cabbage, look for dense, round heading cabbage varieties often classed as storage types with firm white or green leaves. Tender, thin-leafed red cabbage seeds work well in slaw and salads, adding color and crunch. Savoy cabbage, with crinkled leaves, is a classic for winter cabbage use and can show good cold hardiness. For early planting, select early maturing, frost tolerant greens suited to spring conditions. Where clubroot is a concern, consider clubroot resistant cabbage; black rot resistant hybrids can also be useful in humid seasons. Heirloom or hybrid choices both have merits.
How can I prevent cabbage moth and caterpillar damage on young plants?
Protect seedlings and transplants with fine insect netting or floating row cover from day one to block cabbage white butterfly egg-laying. Inspect undersides of leaves regularly and remove eggs or small larvae early. Biological controls such as Bt formulated for caterpillars can be used according to label directions. Brassica collars around stems deter cutworms, while steady growth through good watering and nutrition helps plants tolerate minor feeding. Rotate kitchen garden brassicas yearly and clear crop residues promptly to reduce pest carryover.
Our seeds are sourced from vetted suppliers and grown under recognized quality protocols, with batches tested for purity and germination and packed to maintain viability. We work to meet applicable phytosanitary and labeling requirements, and maintain traceability from lot to dispatch. Guidance provided here is general; outcomes vary with microclimate, soil, hardiness zone, and hemisphere. Product pages carry item-specific instructions and compliance details.
Cool-season heads for slaws, sautés, and fermenting
Cabbage seeds produce tight, crisp heads for fresh dishes and preservation. For reliable germination, sow indoors 4–6 weeks before the last frost in trays of fertile, well‑drained mix; transplant when seedlings have 4–6 true leaves and nights are steadily above freezing. In areas with mild winters, autumn sowing may be possible for late winter to early spring harvests. Provide full sun, consistent moisture, and evenly rich soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Space 30–45 cm apart depending on variety to encourage solid heads and good airflow. Mulch to maintain soil moisture and suppress weeds. Floating row covers can protect young plants from flea beetles and cabbage butterflies; rotate beds yearly to reduce disease pressure. Harvest when heads feel firm to the touch; leave outer leaves to protect developing cores, or cut the central head and allow side shoots to form smaller secondary heads. For related crops, see Vegetables Seeds.
€4,95
€4,95
€4,95
