Red Cabbage from Langedijk - organic-seeds

Red Cabbage from Langedijk

This red cabbage produces large dark red heads, perfect for the autumn harvest. Thanks to good storage in a silo, it can be kept for a long time. As red cabbage is a late-maturing crop, it needs an extra month to develop firm and beautiful heads.

Growing Tips for Red Cabbage

Sowing

• Typically sown from March (under cover) to June for harvest from August to December.

• Late and winter-hardy varieties can be sown directly in the field in May–June.

• Choose varieties according to the desired harvest: early (summer) or late (winter).

Germination

• Optimal germination temperature: 20°C

• Cold treatment or soaking seeds can speed up germination but is optional.

• Germination time: 6–10 days.

Thinning and Transplanting

• Thin seedlings to 5 cm when first leaves appear.

• First transplant at 3–4 leaves with 10 cm spacing.

• Second transplant into the field at 6–8 leaves, 80 cm apart.

Growing Conditions

• Suited to temperate climates.

• Prefers well-drained, nutrient-rich soil with neutral to slightly alkaline pH.

• Tolerates frost well but not extreme heat.

Harvesting and Storage

• Harvest from late summer to winter depending on sowing date and variety.

• Cut the cabbage at the base with a sharp knife, leaving some outer leaves for storage protection.

• Store in a cool, moist place such as a cellar or fridge for several weeks.

Diseases and Pests

• Diseases: clubroot, powdery mildew, black rot

• Pests: flea beetles, cabbage white butterfly, aphids

• Protection: crop rotation, protective nets, remove infected plant material, use resistant varieties, encourage natural enemies.

Tips

• Partially formed heads can survive the winter and be harvested in spring; in this case, sow in June.