Frequently Asked Questions About Cabbage Seeds
What are the different types of cabbage?
There are a ton of varieties of cabbage. The most popular varieties are green, red and white. Each variety of cabbage has its own distinct look and flavor, making this cruciferous vegetable incredibly versatile. Our favorite types of cabbage include green, savoy, red, Napa and Bok Choy (Pak Choi).
Green
Green cabbage is classic and perhaps the most popular of all the cabbage options. This variety has a large, globe-shaped head with tightly packed leaves. The lighter green leaves have a light peppery taste, but when cooked, they are a little sweet. Green cabbage is also popular because it is used to make sauerkraut.
Savoy
Savoy cabbage is another green variety; however, the leaves have a bluish hue. Savoy has a mild taste and tender, loosely packed leaves. This smaller type of cabbage is great in a variety of dishes!
Red
Red cabbage has a distinct look with leaves ranging from dark red to deep purple. Health-conscious eaters love red cabbage because it is packed with antioxidants and anthocyanins, which also happen to give this variety its beautiful color. Red cabbage has tightly packed leaves that are a little tougher compared to green varieties. This is a great variety for pickling as well as coleslaws and salads.
Napa
Napa cabbage is a type of Chinese cabbage that stands out from other green varieties because of its long, oval shape. Napa cabbage leaves range from light green to yellow and grow loosely packed. The mild flavor makes this cabbage easy to use and is perfect for making your own kimchi.
Bok Choy/Pak Choi
Bok Choy is another type of Chinese cabbage. Bok choy has darker green leaves that are quite loose and there are less leaves per cabbage. This type of cabbage is used in a lot of dishes, including stir fry, soup, and more!
When is the best time to plant cabbage seeds?
The best time to plant cabbage seeds is in the spring and fall. You should time your planting around the cooler weather as cabbage actually does better in colder climates and will develop a better flavor. Try to plan your outdoor sowing around the last frost in spring or first frost in fall. For the best results, start seeds indoors and transfer outside. Seeds should germinate between 4 and 10 days depending on the variety.
How do I grow cabbage from seeds?
To grow cabbage, start indoors roughly 4 to 6 weeks before you want to transplant them outside. Sow cabbage seeds about 1 inch apart and 1/2 inch deep. Once your seeds sprout, thin so you have seedlings that are about 12-18 inches apart. Grow seedlings to 3-4 inches tall and transplant the healthy, tightly packed seedlings outside and discard the rest. You can also directly sow the seeds into the outside soil if the timing and weather are right. Opt for a location with full sun and well-draining, nutrient-rich soil.
When is it time to harvest cabbage?
The ideal time to harvest cabbage will depend on the variety. This can range from 2 to 5 months but in general there are some universal indicators that your cabbage is ready to be picked. First, if you have varieties with tightly packed leaves, harvest the cabbage when the heads are firm and the size that you like.
How do I harvest cabbage?
To harvest cabbage, check that it is the right size and the heads are firm. Next, leave behind the wide, open leaves and cut the head from the root or center of the plant with a knife. Do not leave cabbage out in the sun once picked or else it will begin to wilt. Remove the rest of the plant and roots from the soil.
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