Red Acre Cabbage Guide

Boasting to be the best early maturing cabbage, this small garden heirloom favorite grows up to 6” and packs a powerful palate for a petite head. This deep purple cabbage is sure to add taste, tint, and texture to your slaws, soups, and salads.

TO SOW

Red Acre cabbage grows best in cooler weather between 40°F-75°F. They thrive in containers and gardens. Bank on Seeds recommends transplanting.

If Direct Seeding

• Direct seed outside 2 weeks after last frost date; or

• Direct seed into a container 8-12 inches deep and wide anytime of the year. It can be placed outside when the temperature is between 40°F-75°F; or

If Transplanting

Begin the growing season early and start the cabbage seeds indoors in trays or pods 4-6 weeks before the last frost date; germination is best between 65°F-70°F. It can be transplanted outside 2 weeks after the last frost date.

Sow 2 seeds ¼ inch deep and 12 inches apart with rows spaced 24-32 inches apart. Germination will take 7-10 days.

TO GROW

Cabbages like well-draining, most soil rich with organic matter. Place in a spot where it can get full sun- it will tolerate partial shade, but the heads won’t grow as vigorously. Water consistently and evenly to deter the heads developing cracks or splits. Don’t let the soil dry between watering. Check the top 2-3 inches of soil and if dry, then water the cabbage. Red Acre cabbage is resistant to splitting.

Apply lots of well-aged compost, bloodmeal or general 10-10-10 fertilizer to improve leafy growth. Mulch can also be applied to regulate heat, retain moisture, and deter competing weeds.

TO REAP

Red Acre cabbage is full grown (mature) in 70 days. Cut evenly when the heads reach 6” in diameter. Cabbages harvested in cooler weather tend to be sweeter.

COMMON PESTS/DISEASES

Aphids, Cutworms, cabbage looper and cabbage worms, flea beetles, slugs – handpick, neem oil, insecticidal soap, companion plant or spray with pesticide containing Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt)

Black rot, clubroot - - do not water from overhead, keep free of weeds, ensure enough air circulation, cut off affected parts, fungicide, neem oil, rotate crop every 3 years

*Companion plant cabbages with thyme, dill, rosemary, beets, celery, and onions.  Avoid planting with beans, tomatoes, and strawberries. *