Cabbage (red cabbage)

Plant family

Crucifers (Brassicaceae)

Season Overview

Details

Light requirement

Sunny

Water requirement

Very humid

Soil

Heavy (clay)

Nutrient requirement

High

Seeding distance

50 cm

Row spacing

50 cm

Seeding depth

1 cm

Instructions

Description

Red cabbage is also known as red cabbage or blue cabbage. It originates from the Mediterranean region and has evolved from a wild form of vegetable cabbage. Red cabbage is a classic winter vegetable and has many similarities to white cabbage, so it also belongs to the cruciferous family (Brassicaceae), but grows more slowly and forms smaller, purple heads. The shape can be round, pointed or oval. The biennial plant is usually harvested in the first year, so its flowers are rarely seen. The leaves of cabbage grow densely and take on a different color from blue to purple depending on the pH, so it also serves as an indicator of the pH of the soil in which it is grown. There is also a distinction between early, mid-late and late red cabbage depending on the variety. Early red cabbage prefers sandy soils, medium-late and late rather loamy soils.

Growing tips

Red cabbage is a heavy grower and therefore requires a well-fertilized, lime-rich soil and during the formation of the head, also in between fertilizing. Therefore, plant manure, rock flour and compost are well suited. Especially organic components are important. However, overfertilizing should not be done, because then the taste suffers. From September, late varieties should also no longer be fertilized. The location can be sunny or partial shade. Important for cabbage varieties: Grow only every 3-4 years on the same bed to avoid diseases and pests. Red cabbage can be sown directly or grown in advance. The period depends on the variety, for early varieties, start growing as early as February. Leave at least 50 cm between plants, otherwise the heads will remain very small and promote disease development. If planting before May, it may be useful to protect the cabbage somewhat with a fleece during cold nights. The soil should always be moist. Weeds should be removed regularly. The growing period is about 14-21 weeks. For longer storage, take the stalk with out of the ground and hang upside down in a cool, damp place.