Cabbage : Ferry's Round Dutch

full sun, start indoors, good for preserving

Developed by Ferry-Morse. Takes cold weather better than most varieties. Forms compact heads weighing 3-5 pounds at maturity. High in vitamins A, B1, B2, and C. Start seed indoors 6 weeks before last killing frost in spring. When 4 inches tall, transplant outside. Or sow directly outdoors when frost danger is well over. Place 2-3 seeds together every 18 inches. Thin to 1 plant every 18 inches when seedlings are 2 inches tall.

Brassicaceae Brassica oleracea capitata

This is an example of the timeline you would see based on your growing conditions.

Cabbage: Early

Ferry's Round Dutch

There are many types of cabbage based on the time of harvest. Late cabbage is usually larger, hardier and often good for storage.

In mild winter areas cabbage is a good winter crop, planted in late summer or early autumn. This will mature in late autumn and then stand right through the winter in good condition. Such plants can get very big.

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Basics

Ease of Growing: Moderate
Grown as: Biennial
Days to Maturity: 60-70 (Spring/Summer), 85-105 (Fall/Winter)
Growing Habit: -
Hardiness: Hardy

Cabbages are very hardy and can be frost tolerant.
Crops: Spring Transplant, Spring, Fall Transplant, Fall
Growing Season: Short, Long
Cultivar Type: -
Growing Conditions: Cold, Cool, Warm, Hot

Start indoors 8 weeks before last frost, or outdoors March through June. Fast growing or stressed cabbages tend to split and bolt; cutting into the root system will slow growth and prevent splitting. Provide transplants with cutworm shield collars.

Cabbage prefers rich, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0-7.5. Water heavily from planting to head formation, then water moderately to prevent splitting. Cabbage is a hardy crop, grown best in cool spring and fall temperatures.
Outdoor Growing Temp: 40°F - 75°F
Min Outdoor Soil Temp: 40°F

If you are growing cabbage in cool weather, they should be planted in a warm sheltered place, with full sun.

Cabbage doesn’t do well in hot weather, as it causes excessive transpiration from the large leaves. It really needs cool weather and short days to head up satisfactorily.
Start Indoors: Yes
Start Outdoors: Yes
Light: Sun: min. 6 hours daily (Cold, Cool)

Fun sun or partial shade in warm climates
Water: Moderate

Cabbages need a regular water supply to grow well, so keep the soil evenly moist. Heads may split if a heavy rain follows a long dry spell without irrigation.
Feeder: Heavy

Cabbages are hungry plants and must have rich soil if they are to produce well. They prefer heavy soil with lots of organic matter to retain moisture and lots of available nutrients (especially potassium and phosphorus). They don't need a lot of nitrogen however, as this can lead to sappy growth that isn't very hardy. Early varieties require a higher soil fertility than mid or late-season varieties.
Suitability: Drought tolerant, Tolerates light frost, High heat, Partial shade
Small Gardens?: No
Containers?: Yes, but will need a large one, like a half wine barrel

Cabbage does quite well in containers, so long as they are big enough. The ideal container for cabbage is at least 8" deep and 18" in diameter. In order to prevent root damage, make sure your container drains well. This can be done by lining the bottom of your container with a layer of small stones, or by placing holes in the bottom to ensure drainage of excess moisture. Maintain regular watering and keep the soil moist but not soaked. When your cabbage forms a head, gradually decrease watering to keep your heads from splitting.
Attracts beneficial insects?: No
Color: Light green
Fruit Size: 5.0 - 7.0"
Plant Height: 10.0 - 15.0"
Plant Diameter: 15.0 - 25.0"
Hardiness Zone: 2-11
Disease Resistance: -
Taste Profile: Sweet and mild.
Rotation Group: Leaves: Brassicas + Leafy Greens

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Plant Guide

Cabbage : Ferry's Round Dutch

full sun, start indoors, good for preserving

Ferry's Round Dutch

Basics