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7 - Cabbage

Brassica oleracea var. capitata
Varieties
  • Storage No. 4
  • Integro - Red
  • Early Jersey Wakefield
  • Bok Choy (name variety when I settle on one)
Disease and Pest Notes

Prevent flea beetle damage by applying floating row cover at planting. Flea beetles can also be controlled with insecticides such as azadirachtin or pyrethrin. Cabbage worms can be controlled with Bacillus thuringiensis. Prevent disease with crop rotation and good sanitation.

Adhere strictly to a preventive program including: (1) long crop rotations with non-brassica crops, (2) clean starting mixes and outdoor seedbeds, and (3) strict sanitation practices.

Repel flea beetles and root maggots on young seedlings by covering with floating row covers from day of planting. Treat flea beetles with insecticides such as pyrethrin or azadirachtin if heavy pressure is observed. For cabbage worms and loopers, use Bacillus thuringiensis. Cutworm prevention: Cultivate soil 2–4 weeks before planting to work in cover crops and destroy weeds.

Row cover for cabbage moths.

Mulch Type
Wood chips after planting | Compost mulch | Plastic bio mulch
Propagation
Seed
Life cycle
Soil block size
1/4" - pot up to 2"
Light requirements and depth
1/4 - 1/2 inch deep or cover with vermiculite.
Seed germination temperature
Optimal soil temperature for germination is 65-75°F, but broccoli will germinate as low as 50°F.
Heat mat temp
70
Cool germination details
65-75°F
Culture and fertilization requirements

Cabbage as well as cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and related brassicas are heavy feeders. They require fertile soils in a pH range of 6.5-7.5, supplied with consistent irrigation throughout the growing period.

Early varieties may split or burst at maturity or from rapid new growth if rain or heavy irrigation follows a dry spell. Splitting may be partially avoided by slowing a plant’s growth. To accomplish this, cultivate close to plants to sever some of the root system, or by slightly twisting the plant.

Stop fertilizing when cabbage heads begin to develop. Feeding the plant at this time may cause the cabbage to split.

Succession interval - maximum
21
Harvesting details

Relatively young heads (still green and actively growing) store best. Ideal conditions are 32°F (0°C), at 95-98% relative humidity, with good air circulation. Store only disease-free heads.

Current Seed Start & Transplant Dates

Note: Seed starting and transplant dates do not always correlate one to one with dates shown below. Note correct start and expected transplant dates on the tag of the tray for seed germination. Adjust dates with plant tags on a yearly basis if necessary. 8 ounces of fertilizer is about 1 cup. Consider Sustane various NPK and Alfalfa Meal or Blood Meal for nitrogen.

Seed Start to Transplant Days 21 - 28
Days to Maturity after Transplant 67 - 74
Days to Maturity Total 95
Succession Interval 21 - 28
Number of Plantings per Season 2 Spring | 3 Fall
Number of Transplants per Plant Date 8 ( 4 per variety )
Square Feet of Bed Space per Plant Date 18
Linear Feet of Bed Space per Plant Date 6
Fertilizer per Plant 1 ounce of Sustane 7 days before planting mixed into top. .5 ounce 28 days after planting high nitrogen low PK or Sustane. Don't fertilize after heads begin to develop.
Spring Expected Harvest Date Range 05/01 to 07/01
Fall Expected Harvest Date Range 12/15 to 02/15
Athens
Franklin


Transplant Details: 18" - 24" grid

Direct Sow Dates ( if any )

Seed Saving

Polination Type
Insect Pollination.
Seed Collection
Dig plants and overwinter for brassica's. Replant in early spring. Plants flower by summer. In our area removing and replanting might not be necessary if temps don't get below 28°. Row cover or greenhouse can help.
Seed Viability Years
3 years
Seed Cleaning and Storage
Pull entire plants when most pods are brown and hang upside down in warm dry place. Place catch underneath. Flail and crush pods - small seeds.
Isolation Requirements
All Brassicas cross-pollinate. Bag plants. 1 mile distance if not bagging. Several plants in each bag as they require more than 1. Introduce pollinators into bags.

Variety Details

Variety Name
Storage No. 4
Variety Description
For fresh use and storage. Makes nice cabbage even under fertility or weather stress. Firms up in as few as 75 days for fresh use, continuing to enlarge to 4-8 lb. for mid-fall harvest. The solid heads have delicious, crisp leaves, and are capable of long-term storage into spring. Flavor is superior to the typical cabbages available at the supermarket. Developed by cabbage breeder Don Reed, Cortland, NY.
Seed Type
Hybrid
Seed Vendors
Johnny's | 100 - $5.15
Variety Name
Integro - Red
Variety Description
A mid-late red with good flavor. Medium-size heads have a uniform, high-round shape. The leaves are thick and crisp, but not tough. Long-standing in the field. Short core. Avg. weight: 4–5 lb
Seed Type
Hybrid
Seed Vendors
Johnny's | 50 - $5.40
Variety Name
Early Jersey Wakefield
Variety Description
Dark- green, sweet, conical heads average 5 in. in diameter and weigh 2-3 lbs. Has a small core and good wrapper leaves. Good resistance to frost and cabbage yellows. For home, storage, or fresh-market.
Seed Type
OP
Seed Vendors
Southern Exposure | Packet: 2g (about 600 seeds) sows 70’ direct seeded or 350’ as transplants. $2.50
Variety Name
Bok Choy (name variety when I settle on one)
Special Notes
Shock may cause it to bolt as well as temperatures dropping below 55 degrees at night. Maintain a close watch on soil temperature as well - not too hot and not too cold. If it bolts, eat the flowers and tender leaves in salads and stir fry the slightly tougher ones. Sometimes clipping the flowers will cause the leaves to start growing again
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