Helping You Become a More Successful Gardener
Plant Search
Brassicaceae
BRASSICA oleracea 'Early Flat Dutch'( Capitata Group)
Cabbage, Early Flat Dutch Cabbage
Sauerkraut makers take note; the large, dense, flavorful heads of 'Early Flat Dutch' make delicious homemade kraut. They are also early to produce, heat resistant and store well. This cultivar has origins that date prior to the mid-19th century and has been used as a fall or winter crop for generations. Heads mature 80 to 85 days after planting from seedlings. The slightly flattened, volleyball-sized heads have few spreading, leathery, green to blue-green outer leaves and many thin, tightly packed, whitish-green inner leaves. Flavor is zesty and robust. Expect each mature cabbage head to weigh between 7- and 12- pounds (3- to 6- kilograms).
Cabbages are categorized by their texture and color. Most have smooth, ribbed, somewhat leathery leaves with a strong pungent flavor. These can be green (from pale grassy to deep emerald, often with blue overtones) or red (with burgundy-purple hues predominant). Savoy cabbages are distinct in having heavily crinkled, thin, mildly flavored leaves. Most cabbages have an outer layer of larger, spreading, more deeply hued "wrapper" leaves. Cabbages also vary markedly in size and days to harvest, with early-maturing varieties bearing much smaller heads than later ones. Vigor and flavor decline with heat. Although cool weather enhances flavor, plants may flower (or "bolt") in extended chilly spells. Cabbage heads may split if not harvested promptly. Somewhat cold-hardy, cabbages can be grown as a winter vegetable in areas such as the Lower Southeast United States and western California.
This cool weather crop prefers full sun and fertile, organic-rich garden soil with ample drainage. Plant seed or transplants in early spring, or in summer for fall or winter harvest. For an extended harvest, plant both early- and late-cropping varieties. Plants may produce a second crop of side sprouts from the "stumps" of the harvested heads.
Cabbages are rewarding to grow and well worth the effort. As with all members of Brassica oleracea, they are susceptible to a number of pests, including cabbage loopers and several other types of caterpillars.
6 - 1
8 - 11
A1, A2, A3, H1, H2, 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Vegetable
Full Sun, Partial Sun
10"-15" / 25.4cm - 38.1cm
10"-14" / 25.4cm - 35.6cm
Spring, Late Spring, Early Summer
Southern Europe, Western Europe, Mediterranean
Acidic, Neutral
Well Drained
Loam, Sand
Fast
Average Water
Rosette/Stemless
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Showy
Yellow
Green, Light Green
Yes
No
Single
Bold
Matte
Semi-Evergreen
Bedding Plant, Container, Edible, Herb / Vegetable
Butterflies
© 2006-2021 Preferred Commerce. All Rights Reserved.
