Danish Ballhead Cabbage: A Winter Favorite
Danish Ballhead cabbage is a popular winter crop, especially in the northeast and mountainous regions. It’s known for its reliability, storage-ability, and mild flavor.
History and Origins
The Danish Ballhead cabbage has a long history, dating back to the 15th century in Europe. It was originally known as the Danish variety Amager, named after the island of Amager near Copenhagen. Specimens of this cabbage were introduced to the United States in 1887 as Danish Ballhead cabbage plants.
Characteristics
Danish Ballhead cabbage produces round heads that are a lovely blue-green color. The heads are solid and offer a sweet, mild flavor that makes them great for boiling, slaws, and kraut. They mature after 100 days and grow to about 10 inches in diameter.
Growing Danish Ballhead Cabbage
Seeds and Planting:
You can easily find Danish Ballhead cabbage seeds online or at your local garden store. If you are starting seeds indoors, do so 4 to 6 weeks before the last spring frost. Transplant to the garden just before that last frost date. For outdoor planting, wait until early spring or mid-summer. Plant the seeds at a depth of ½ inch.
Care:
Cabbage care should include regular irrigation and fertilizer as well as mulching to help the soil retain moisture. Plants mature to 12-14 inches tall and 24-28 inches wide. The heads produced are hard and tight, and they store extremely well.
Harvesting and Storage
Danish Ballhead cabbage is ready to harvest when the heads are firm and solid. Cut the heads off the plants, leaving a few inches of stem attached. Store the cabbage in a cool, dark place. It will keep for several months.
Tips for Growing Danish Ballhead Cabbage
- Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil.
- Amend the soil with compost or manure before planting.
- Keep the soil moist but not soggy.
- Fertilize the plants every few weeks.
- Mulch around the plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Rotate your cabbage crops each year to prevent disease.
Troubleshooting
- Bolting: Bolting is when cabbage plants produce flowers and seeds prematurely. This can be caused by hot weather or stress. To prevent bolting, keep the plants cool and well-watered.
- Splitting: Splitting is when cabbage heads crack open. This can be caused by overwatering or uneven watering. To prevent splitting, water the plants deeply and regularly.
- Rotting: Rotting is when cabbage heads decay. This can be caused by wet weather or poor drainage. To prevent rotting, plant the cabbage in well-drained soil and avoid overwatering.
With a little care and attention, you can grow a bountiful harvest of Danish Ballhead cabbage. This versatile vegetable is a great addition to any winter meal.
