Growing Winter Cabbage: A Comprehensive Guide for Cold Climates
Introduction
Cabbage is a cool-season vegetable that can be grown in the winter with a little planning and protection. Winter cabbage varieties are specially bred to withstand cold temperatures and produce heads that can be harvested late into the season.
What is Winter Cabbage?
Winter cabbage varieties are late-season cabbages that have a higher tolerance to cold temperatures. They typically have smaller heads and are harder than early-season varieties. Some popular winter cabbage varieties include Huron, OS Cross, and Danish Ball Head.
How to Grow Winter Cabbage
To grow winter cabbage, you will need to:
- Choose a planting site. Winter cabbage prefers well-drained soil that receives full sun.
- Prepare the soil. Amend the soil with compost or manure to improve drainage and fertility.
- Sow the seeds. Sow the seeds directly into the prepared bed in midsummer. You can sow seeds every few weeks to ensure a continuous harvest throughout the winter.
- Protect young plants from frost. Young cabbage plants are susceptible to frost damage. Protect them by covering them with row covers or floating row covers.
- Water regularly. Winter cabbage needs regular watering, especially during dry spells.
- Fertilize. Fertilize the cabbage plants every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
- Control pests and diseases. Cabbage is susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases. Monitor your plants regularly and treat any problems promptly.
Winter Cabbage Cultivation
Winter cabbage cultivation is similar to early-season cabbage cultivation. However, there are a few key differences to keep in mind:
- Plant later in the season. Winter cabbage is planted later in the season than early-season cabbage. This gives the plants time to mature before the cold weather sets in.
- Protect from cold temperatures. Winter cabbage plants need to be protected from cold temperatures, especially when they are young. Cover them with row covers or floating row covers when temperatures drop below freezing.
- Water less frequently. Winter cabbage plants need less frequent watering than early-season cabbage plants. This is because they get most of their moisture from the snow and rain.
Storing Winter Cabbage
Winter cabbage can be stored for several months in a cool, dark place. The best way to store winter cabbage is to:
- Remove any damaged leaves. Remove any damaged or bruised leaves from the cabbage heads before storing them.
- Place the cabbage heads in a single layer. Place the cabbage heads in a single layer on a rack or in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator.
- Keep the temperature close to freezing. The ideal storage temperature for winter cabbage is around 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
Long-Season Cabbage Varieties for Extended Winter Harvesting
If you want to extend your winter cabbage harvest, you can grow long-season cabbage varieties. These varieties take longer to mature, but they produce heads that can be harvested well into the winter. Some popular long-season cabbage varieties include:
- Brunswick
- Savoy King
- Red Acre
Growing Cabbage in Containers for Winter Harvests
You can also grow cabbage in containers for winter harvests. This is a good option if you have limited space or if you want to protect your plants from the cold. To grow cabbage in containers, you will need to:
- Choose a large container. Choose a container that is at least 12 inches in diameter and 12 inches deep.
- Fill the container with potting mix. Fill the container with a well-draining potting mix.
- Plant the cabbage seedlings. Plant the cabbage seedlings in the potting mix, spacing them about 12 inches apart.
- Water regularly. Water the cabbage plants regularly, especially during dry spells.
- Fertilize. Fertilize the cabbage plants every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
- Protect from cold temperatures. Protect the cabbage plants from cold temperatures by covering them with row covers or floating row covers when temperatures drop below freezing.
