Cabbage is a leafy green, red (purple), or white (pale green) biennial plant grown as an annual vegetable crop for its dense leaved heads. Brussels sprouts (var. gemmifera); and savoy cabbage (var. sabauda). Brassica rapa is commonly named Chinese, celery or napa cabbage and has many of the same uses.[1] Cabbage is high in nutritional value. Cabbages are prepared in many different ways for eating; they can be pickled, fermented (for dishes such as sauerkraut), steamed, stewed, sautéed, braised, or eaten raw. Cabbage is a good source of vitamin K, vitamin C, and dietary fiber. [2]

14 best cabbage varieties for your garden

Regardless of where you live now, you can grow different varieties of cabbage. Cabbage grows in USDA hardiness zones 1-10, but you need to choose the right variety for your growing area.

You also need to look at the ripening rate for each species. If you have a shorter growing season, harvest the earlier cabbage. If you have a long growing season, you can grow both early and late kale.

So, here are 16 different types of cabbage (with image) that you can grow in your garden.

Early cabbage – ripening in 50-70 days

1. Erlian cabbage

As the name suggests, Earliana is one of the earliest kale on the market today. You can expect to be harvested within 60 days. This means that after two months, full heads of cabbage may appear in your garden.

Earliana heads only weigh about 2 pounds, which is why they develop so quickly. The heads are usually 4-5 inches in diameter. For best results, you need to provide the Earliana heads with full sunlight and space the plants 18-24 inches apart.

2. Golden cabbage

Here is another early cabbage variety perfect for small gardeners. You can plant this variety closer; they typically require a maximum distance of 15-18 inches from each other. So, if you have a small garden, you can fit more in the area.

Golden Acre cabbage produces heads of cabbage 5-7 inches in diameter, all uniform, round and tightly folded. Ripen in 65 days!

This type of cabbage is best for full or partial sunlight and requires soil with added organic matter such as compost. You will find that Golden Acre is a frost-hardy variety that resists yellowing.

3.  Gonzales  Cabbage

This cabbage variety produces mini cabbages that are 4-6 inches across and 1-2 pounds in weight.

They are not the largest species you can grow in your garden, but since you can harvest them in just 55 days after planting, it makes sense.

Gonzales cabbage stands out for producing deep blue-green softball-sized cabbages. They are dense, hard heads of cabbage, resistant to splitting.

The size of these heads is ideal; you can use one for two servings or one large meal. Plus, they’re ready in less than two months; who can complain about this?

4. Cabbage.

Parel cabbage is another early season cabbage that can be harvested in 45-50 days. This means that it takes 6-7 weeks to grow mature heads. This is amazing!

Parelia sprouts produce dense, compact green heads of cabbage that grow well in a small space. The outer leaves are bluish-green in color, protecting the white head of cabbage. You will find that the leaves are juicy and sweeter than some of the other varieties.

The great thing about growing cabbage varieties that can be harvested so quickly is that you can grow them multiple times in a single growing season. You can also sow seeds outdoors in summer, as they grow very quickly.

You can use Pamela cabbage in many recipes. It is well suited for raw salads and salads, as well as for pickling or frying.

Mid-season cabbage – ripening in 70-90 days

5. Jersey Wakefield Early Cabbage

Early Jersey began in the United Kingdom, but has now become a classic in the United States as well. It was introduced in the 1840s and was later sold commercially.

This variety has a heart-shaped or cone-shaped head that forms a spike. The leaves are pale green and each head will weigh 3-4 pounds. Heads of cabbage can be harvested approximately 70 days after planting.

6. Red cabbage.

If you are looking for a vibrant purple-red cabbage head, Red Acre is a fantastic choice for your garden and will make it stand out on your plate.

Compared to other varieties, you will notice that it tastes sweet when used in salads or kale salad recipes.

You can grow Red Acre in USDA zones 3-9, but make sure you plant in full sunlight. Make sure this strain has adequate drainage and plenty of water.

If you are convinced that he has ideal conditions, you can expect the heads to weigh 4 pounds. They will be ready to harvest in 75-90 days.

7. Brunswick

Brunswick cabbage matures in 85-90 days under optimal conditions. This variety is ideal if you are looking for a cabbage that can be stored throughout the winter.

This is a German relic created decades ago, and you can expect your solid heads to weigh 6 to 9 pounds.

Northern gardeners find Brunswick cabbages a fantastic choice because they are hardy. You should plan for planting in the spring or fall, depending on the season.

Each plant requires 18-24 inches of full sunlight space to reach its maximum size.

8. Charleston Wakefield

Do you want a family heirloom with a rich history? Charleston Wakefield is an open-pollinated cabbage variety that dates back to the 1890s.

You can grow it throughout most of the United States, even in the southern states, because it is heat tolerant.

The heads of cabbage are dark green, conical in shape, and the leaves are compacted together. Each head weighs 4 to 6 pounds and takes 70 to 80 days to mature.

If you want the heads to reach their maximum size, make sure you place the plants 18-24 inches apart.

Late season or cabbage – ripening in 90-125 days

9. King of January

Here is one of the hardiest winter cabbages you can grow! The King of January is a family cabbage variety that also attracts attention with its massive green and purple leaves. The leaves are sweet and tender for recipes.

King cabbages in January weigh between 3 and 5 pounds and take 150-200 days to mature. This means that not all gardeners can grow this cabbage; a long growing season is needed.

Cold-resistant plant for winter storage and winter gardening.

Make sure you plant the January King in full sunlight and place the plants at least 18-24 inches apart. If you give it the opportunity to expand, you can get big heads.

10. Late flat Dutch

The more the better, right? If you share this view of gardening, you will want to include Late Flat Dutch in your garden as the best late season cabbage variety.

Late Flat Dutch produces massive heads of 10-15 pounds with pale green leaves.

As you might have guessed, due to its size, it takes longer to mature. He needs at least 100 days in the garden to harvest. Because of its size, you need to plant them two feet apart.

One of the great things about this cabbage variety is that it can be grown in zones 1-10. If you are in cold regions such as zones 1-3, you will need a seasonal extension cord to achieve 100 days of growth.

11. Mammoth Red Rock

Some gardeners forget to include red cabbage in their choices or completely ignore it as ornamental, but that would be wrong.

Red cabbage has found its way into many recipes, and Mammoth Red Rock dates back to 1889. This is a great story!

As the name suggests, this variety produces large heads with a diameter of 8-10 inches and weighing up to 8 pounds. That’s a lot of cabbage!

Mammoth Red Rock grows well in zones 1-10. Make sure you plant this variety in full sunlight, placing them 24 inches apart. You can start harvesting these heads in 90-100 days.

12. Savory perfection

Looking for recipes for unsweetened cabbage? Then Savory Perfection is a great choice and grows well in USDA zones 3-12.

This type of cabbage produces heads that are 4-6 inches in diameter and can be ready to harvest about 90 days after transplanting into the garden.

Be sure to plant Savory Perfection in bright sunlight, at least 18 inches apart. This will promote optimal growth.

Chinese (napa) cabbage – ripening in 50-70 days 

13. Rubicon

If you want napa cabbage, try Rubicon! The variety develops in 52-55 days, yields high yields of cabbage leaves.

The heads are 8-12 inches high, weighing 5-6 pounds. It produces kale with dark green leaves and white ribs, ideal for napa.

Because it grows so quickly, you can plant it in both spring and fall. It resists twisting under the influence of heat and disease.

Rubicon is a well-known choice in farmers’ markets. It not only tastes great, but is also versatile in use. You can use it for stir-fry, steamed, salad or salads. Also keeps well.

14. Bilko

Here’s another napa variation that can be harvested in 54-60 days. It is slightly larger than the Rubicon, usually 12 inches in size, and is known for its resistance to several diseases such as feces, black spot,s and yellow fusarium.

Bilko has a barrel-shaped head of mild sweet taste with pale green leaves. It is best if you grow it from summer to fall.

Nutritional Value of Cabbage 

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Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz)
Energy	103 kJ (25 kcal)
Carbohydrates	5.8 g
Sugars	3.2 g
Dietary fiber	2.5 g
Fat	0.1 g
Protein	1.28 g
Vitamins	Quantity%DV†
Thiamine (B1)	5% 0.061 mg
Riboflavin (B2)	3% 0.040 mg
Niacin (B3)	2% 0.234 mg
Pantothenic acid (B5)	4% 0.212 mg
Vitamin B6	10% 0.124 mg
Folate (B9)	11% 43 μg
Vitamin C	44% 36.6 mg
Vitamin K	72% 76 μg
Minerals	Quantity%DV†
Calcium	4% 40 mg
Iron	4% 0.47 mg
Magnesium	3% 12 mg
Manganese	8% 0.16 mg
Phosphorus	4% 26 mg
Potassium	4% 170 mg
Sodium	1% 18 mg
Zinc	2% 0.18 mg
Other constituents	Quantity
Fluoride	1 µg
Link to USDA Database entry
†Percentages are roughly approximated using US recommendations for adults. [rx] Source: USDA Nutrient Database

 

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Health Benefits of Cabbage

Did you know that the inexpensive and widely used cabbage can practically work miracles? Let’s take the look at the best ones

• Antioxidant Agent – Cabbage acts as a good detoxifier too, meaning that it purifies the blood and removes toxins, primarily free radicals and uric acid which are the main causes of rheumatism, gout, arthritis, renal calculi, skin diseases, and eczema. This detoxifying effect of cabbage is due to the high content of vitamin C and sulfur in it.
• Anti-inflammatory Agent – Cabbage is known to accumulate a build-up of cadmium-binding complexes in its leaves and one of the main components of that is glutamine. Glutamine is a strong anti-inflammatory agent, so consuming it can reduce the effects of many types of inflammation, irritation, allergies, joint pain, fever, and various skin disorders.
• Prevents Cancer – One of the most celebrated health benefits of cabbage is its powerful antioxidant quality. [4] This means that cabbage and other similar vegetables scavenge free radicals from the body, which can be detrimental to overall health and are major contributors to cancer and heart diseases. Red cabbage also has a number of anti-cancer compounds, like lupeol, sinigrin, and sulforaphane (glucosinolates derived isothiocyanate), which are known to stimulate enzyme activity and inhibit the growth of tumors that lead to cancer. One study, performed primarily on Chinese women, showed a significant reduction in breast cancer when cruciferous vegetables like cabbage were regularly added to their diet. [5]Supports the Digestive TractCabbage is very rich in fiber and glucosinolates, which is the main health benefit of roughage. This helps the body retain water and it maintains the bulkiness of the food as it moves through the bowels. Thus, it is a good remedy for constipation and other problems related to digestion.
• Regulates Heart Health & Cholesterol – By binding the bile acids, it helps to lower your total LDL cholesterol levels. Cabbage is also rich in polyphenols, which reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases by reducing blood pressure and preventing platelet build-up.
• Protects from Radiation Therapy – Cabbage has a rare compound called 3,3′-diindolylmethane (DIM), which has been shown to prevent the risks associated with radiation therapy. It helps in ensuring that the red and white blood cells and the platelet count remain existent, which is often not the case during radiation therapy. Therefore, DIM is also favored for use during cancer treatment in order to protect healthy tissue.
• Skin Care & Vitamin C – As mentioned already, cabbage is rich in antioxidants, including vitamin C, anthocyanins, and sulfur, since it is a cruciferous vegetable. Antioxidants play a major role in skin health and the general toning and improvement of the body in response to the aging process. [6] Free radicals can be an underlying cause of wrinkles, skin discoloration, spots, and many other conditions. Therefore, the antioxidants you get by eating cabbage can cause a turnaround in your aging processes, leaving you feeling and looking healthy and young. It also helps in preventing the onset of acne.
• Weight Loss – Cabbage is frequently recommended for people who want to lose weight in a healthy way. Since cabbage is packed with many beneficial vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients, it is a healthy dietary option for people to eat and is quite filling since it has high levels of fiber, which add bulk to the bowels. It is also low in calories, amounting to only 33 calories in a cup of cooked cabbage. Therefore, people can go on the popular “cabbage soup” diet, and eat plenty of food to stay healthy, without gaining excess weight!
• Prevents Cataract – Cabbage is a rich source of beta-carotene, so many people, particularly as they get older, turn to cabbage for its ability to prevent macular degeneration and promote good eye health and delay cataracts formation. [7] [8]
• Prevents Prostate Cancer – Beta-carotene has been positively linked to reduced chances of prostate cancer, which is an extra bonus on top of other anti-carcinogenic effects of cabbage! [9] 
• Improves Brain Health – Let’s not forget that cabbage is a very powerful brain food! The presence of vitamin K and anthocyanins within cabbage can give a strong boost to mental function and concentration. Vitamin K is essential for the production of sphingolipids, the myelin sheath around nerves. This wrapping is what protects nerves from damage and decay. Therefore, consuming vitamin K can improve your defense against neural degeneration, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease, and dementia.
• Improves Bones – Cabbage, as well as all cruciferous vegetables, are great sources of minerals, like calcium, magnesium, and potassium. These three essential minerals are integral in the protection of bones from degradation and the onset of conditions like osteoporosis and general bone weakening.
• Regulates Blood Pressure – The presence of potassium in cabbage also makes it a wonderful way to protect yourself from elevated blood pressure, which increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. [10] Potassium is a vasodilator, which means that it opens up the blood vessels and eases the flow of blood, so it isn’t being forced in a stress-inducing way through constricted arteries and veins. Overall, cabbage is a great shield against many types of dangerous conditions!
• Reduces Muscle Aches – When certain bacteria ferment the sugars in cabbage during the preparation of sauerkraut, lactic acid is released. [11] It isn’t the easiest compound to find in a diet, but it has been shown to reduce muscle soreness and aches, so in some small way, cabbage can help in general pain relief and muscle soreness, depending on how it is prepared.
• Speeds-up Healing – Cabbage is rich in sulfur, which is a very useful nutrient as it fights infections. A deficiency of sulfur can result in microbial infections and a greatly reduced healing speed. It also reduces the frequency and severity of ulcers. This is the most commonly used type. It has smooth leaves packed tightly and a round shape resembling a large ball. It is also sometimes called Dutch white.
• Red Cabbage – Red cabbage, more commonly known as purple cabbage, is a colorful variety from the brassica family. This variety is denser than the green one and has a slight peppery flavor. It is more nutritious than the green variety and is also available in smaller varieties.
• Savoy Cabbage – This is a large ball-shaped cabbage having loose, darker outer leaves varying from smooth to curly. Its wrinkly leaves are great when wrapped around different fillings. This cabbage’s color varies from light green to bluish-green.
• Lombok/Bok Choy – Also known as Chinese cabbage, this variety is basically oval-shaped with crinkly leaves having white veins. It is pale green in color and available in a ‘baby wombok’ size.
• Cabbage Nutrition Facts USDA Chart – Here is the detailed information about the nutritional value of cabbage -ow that we know the cabbage nutritional value, let’s look into what are the health benefits of cabbage. One serving or one cup of cabbage provides a person with 91.7 percent of the daily required value of Vitamin K and 50.3 percent of the daily required value of the Vitamin C. Vitamin B6, manganese, folate, vitamin B2, and B1, potassium, calcium, magnesium and Vitamin A are abundantly found in cabbage. It also consists of small amounts of zinc, manganese, and iron. Cabbage health benefits simply cannot be ignored!
• Cabbage Benefits For Skin – Leafy greens are considered great for skin, and cabbage is no exception. Cabbage contains ‘indole-3-carbonize’ which is a powerful antioxidant. It is responsible for detoxifying your liver. This is beneficial for the skin as well because it removes the toxins, which is accumulated in the blood, causes dull and blemished skin. Thus, the skin benefits of eating cabbage are many.
• Anti-Aging Benefits – Regular consumption of cabbage along with other cruciferous vegetables can provide anti-aging benefits to the skin. The rich amount of Vitamin C in this vegetable keeps the skin youthful and delays the aging process. Moreover, Vitamin A in cabbage juice works together with Vitamin D to make your skin clear and healthy. It also avoids the destruction of skin cells due to ultraviolet rays.
• Healing Properties – Cabbage has excellent skin healing properties. When used as a poultice, cabbage is effective in curing skin eruptions such as eczema, psoriasis, acne, rashes, insect bites, leg ulcers, and wounds. It helps cure arthritis as well. You can prepare the poultice by grating or processing some cabbage in a blender. Wrap the content mixed with some water in a cloth. Place it on the affected area for about 15 minutes. You can also crush the leaves and apply them directly to the affected areas. Regular application of this poultice, as well as eating cabbage, can help you heal faster.
• Provides Flawless Skin – It is appreciable for its beautifying effects, and it also has a role in promoting healthy skin. If you are suffering from pimples or other skin irritations, cabbage can be the solution. All you need to do is to steam the upper leaves of cabbage and remove all the veins. Compress the leaves between a linen cloth and cotton to make them smooth and soft. Place the compress on the affected area overnight and experience spotless skin the next morning.
• Vitamin E Improves Skin Complexion – Its juice is also excellent for improving complexion. It has potassium in it which is instrumental in purifying your body and skin. The high levels of Vitamin A rejuvenate your tissues while sulfur helps in fighting the infection. Vitamin E is often used as an ingredient in skin care products and supplements. The ultimate result is glowing and fairer skin.
• Sulfur Prevents Acne – Sulfur is considered as ‘Nature’s beauty mineral’. Because of its drying effect, it plays an important role in drying acne and breakouts. Moreover, it is vital for the synthesis of keratin, a protein substance that is essential for healthy hair, nails, and skin. It also helps in cleansing your blood and removing bacteria and toxins from your body.
• Cleansing Property – One of the best skin benefits of cabbage is that its juice is extremely effective in cleansing your body as cabbages are abundant in Vitamin C. If you are suffering from acne, drinking cabbage juice can help in clearing it up. Cabbage juice can also heal infected gums caused by gingivitis.
• Stimulates Hair Growth – Just like other green vegetables, cabbage has a high content of Vitamin A. Vitamin A is an antioxidant that stimulates hair growth. Applying a mixture of boiled cabbage and freshly squeezed lemon juice on the scalp can facilitate hair growth. Mash ½ cup boiled cabbage and 1/8 cup fresh lemon juice in a blender to form a thick paste. Massage this mixture on your scalp, leave it for 30 minutes and then shampoo and condition your hair as usual. This can be done twice a week.
• Smooth And Healthy Hair – Cabbage nourishes your hair, thus providing you with silky, shining hair. Apply its juice on your scalp and the roots of your hair. Shampoo your hair after an hour. This will make your hair smooth and silky.
• Prevents Hair Loss – Raw cabbage and cucumber juices are rich in silicon and sulfur, two vital minerals that stimulate hair growth and prevent hair loss. Apply a mixture of 30 ml cabbage juice and 30 ml cucumber juice on your scalp and hair roots, massage thoroughly for 10-15 minutes before going to bed and wash off the next morning. This should be done thrice a week for maximum benefits.
• Conditions Dry Hair – Eating raw cabbage or making it in juice form is also beneficial for dry hair as it makes it soft and shiny. Try drinking a mixture of 80 ml of raw carrot and cucumber juice and 40 ml of raw cabbage juice to get healthy and beautiful hair.
• Helps Prevent Cancer – There are many properties in cabbage that help fight cancer-causing cells. These ingredients include diindolylmethane (DIM), sinigrin, lupeol, sulforaphane and indole 3 – carbinol (I3C). The sulforaphane and the I3C compounds are known to increase anti-cancer effects.
• Immunity Booster – It has a very high content of Vitamin C. Thus cabbage helps in strengthening one’s immunity system and also assists in curbing free radicals.
• Anti-inflammatory Properties – It is also very rich in amino acids which help fight inflammation.
• Eliminates The Risk of Cataract – The beta-carotene content in cabbage helps in prevention of macular degeneration of the eyes and thus, keeps cataract at bay.
• Reduces Risk Of Alzheimer’s Disease – The latest research states that consuming cabbage, especially the red ones, can prevent Alzheimer’s. Vitamin K that is widely found in cabbage is responsible for this.
• Cabbage For Ulcers – Peptic or stomach ulcers is healed by eating cabbage. Its juice has anti-ulcer properties owing to its high content of glutamine.
• Cabbage Benefits Weight Loss -It is considered to be the best dish for those who constantly watch their weight. So, how many calories in cabbage? Well, an entire cup of cooked cabbage contains merely 33 calories. Thus, a cabbage soup diet would mean endless bowls with absolutely no weight gain.
• Provides Relief From Constipation – Is cabbage good for constipation? Well, proper digestion is facilitated due to the presence of higher amounts of fiber in cabbage. This helps in providing relief from constipation.
• Provides Relief From Sore Muscles – Lactic acid present in it is known to provide effective relief from sore muscles.
• Encourages Proper Digestion – Dietary fiber is essential for the proper digestion of food and Chinese cabbage contains a lot of that. When you eat this veggie, you consume enough of this nutrient and develop bulk inside your digestive tract. It eventually accelerates your digestion by removing unnecessary materials from our body.
• Maintains Cardiovascular Health – Including Chinese cabbage or bok choy in your diet can be extremely beneficial for your heart. It is because the vegetable is full of two most important minerals – calcium and potassium, which can regulate the blood pressure levels efficiently. The amount of sodium present in it is also quite low, which is good for maintaining the health of the cardiac system.
• Is Cabbage Good For Diabetics – Yes, absolutely! Potassium present in bok choy not only helps in treating hypertension, but it also takes part in keeping your blood sugar level under control. The mineral can also stimulate our mental well-being by relieving tension, stress, and anxiety.
• For Strong Bones And Teeth – Chinese cabbage keeps your bones and teeth strong with the help of calcium and vitamin K present in it. Besides, calcium is good for upkeeping the standard functionalities of the muscles and nerves. Conversely, vitamin k can facilitate the clotting of blood, thereby preventing hemorrhage.
• Rich In Antioxidants – Like many other leafy green vegetables, Chinese cabbage is also rich in anti-oxidants. According to nutritionists, only one cup of this vegetable can satisfy almost 50% of the daily intake requirement of vitamin A and vitamin C. Both of these vitamins are crucial for curbing the adverse effects of free radicals on your body and keeping you free from a number of fatal diseases. In other words, you should have this vegetable regularly for conditioning the defense mechanisms of the body.
• Cabbage During Pregnancy – It is a fabulous food for pregnant women. It has been seen that Chinese cabbage can meet the nutritional requirements of would-be mothers easily as it is high in folic acid. From providing nourishment to the fetus during pregnancy to promoting the production of milk during lactation, the benefits of this vegetable are truly multifaceted.

Growing cabbage in your garden

Cabbage may seem like a daunting task to gardeners, but many consider it to be one of the easiest vegetables to grow. If you provide the right conditions for growing vegetables, you can count on a bountiful harvest.

Here are some tips for you.

• Plant the seeds inside:  most heads need to start within 4-6 weeks before you plan to plant them outdoors. Cabbage can be planted until the last frost. Depending on your location, you can plant them in your garden 2-4 weeks before the last frost. If you have the means to extend the season, such as a floating canopy, you can plant a month before that date, which will give you an even longer growing season.
• Enrich the soil:  Cabbage, especially late-maturing varieties, tend to be a heavy feeder, so you should plan for adding compost to the soil before planting. Compost not only adds nutrients to the soil, but it also helps the dirt retain moisture, which is needed.
• Moisture Required:  you will need to water the plants frequently. Cold season crops like cabbage do need moist soil but don’t confuse wet soil with moist soil. Standing water should never be used, but if you notice the first two inches of the dirt are dry, you need to water.
• Sunlight Needed:  look at the variety you plan to grow to determine the exact amount of sunlight needed. Most cabbages require full sunlight, which is defined as 6-8 hours of direct sunlight in total. Other varieties can survive in partial shade, which is 4-6 hours of sunshine. Read the seed packet!
• Space on the right: still  Once, looking at a bag of seeds, you should be able to tell how far to plant different varieties of cabbage. How far you need to place them depends on their final size. Larger types need more room to grow. Typically, the distance between them is 18-24 inches.

References

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