Red Acre Cabbage Growing Guide

Red Acre Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) is a vibrant, purple-red cabbage variety known for its tightly packed heads, crisp texture, and sweet, mild flavor. This heirloom cabbage is ideal for fresh salads, coleslaws, and cooking, adding both color and flavor to your dishes. Red Acre Cabbage is a compact, early-maturing variety that is well-suited for home gardens.

    

 

Planting Red Acre Cabbage

Sunlight: Choose a location that receives full sun for at least 6-8 hours a day. Cabbage thrives in cooler temperatures but requires plenty of sunlight for optimal growth.

Soil: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility and drainage. Cabbage is a heavy feeder, so nutrient-rich soil is essential for healthy growth.

When to Plant: Red Acre Cabbage is a cool-season crop that can be planted in early spring or late summer for a fall harvest. Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost date in spring, or sow seeds directly in the garden as soon as the soil can be worked. For a fall crop, sow seeds in mid-summer.

Starting Indoors: Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in seed-starting mix. Keep the soil moist and maintain a temperature of 65-75°F (18-24°C). Transplant seedlings outdoors when they are 4-6 inches tall and the danger of frost has passed.

Direct Sowing: Sow seeds directly in the garden 1/4 inch deep and 12-18 inches apart in rows spaced 18-24 inches apart. Thin seedlings to 12-18 inches apart once they are a few inches tall to allow enough space for the heads to develop.

 

Caring for Red Acre Cabbage

Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water cabbage regularly, especially during dry periods, to ensure even moisture. Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to disease.

Fertilization: Cabbage is a heavy feeder. Apply a balanced fertilizer or compost at planting time. Side-dress with compost or a balanced fertilizer when the plants are 3-4 weeks old and again when they start to form heads.

Mulching and Weeding: Apply a layer of mulch around the plants to retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and keep the soil temperature consistent. Mulch also helps to prevent the soil from splashing onto the leaves, which can reduce the risk of disease. Hand-pull weeds carefully to avoid disturbing the shallow roots of the cabbage.

Pest and Disease Management: Cabbage can be susceptible to pests such as cabbage worms, aphids, and flea beetles. Use row covers to protect young plants and organic pest control methods like neem oil or insecticidal soap if necessary. Practice crop rotation and ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases like black rot and clubroot.

 

Harvesting Red Acre Cabbage

When to Harvest: Red Acre Cabbage is typically ready to harvest 75-90 days after planting. Harvest when the heads are firm and reach 4-6 inches in diameter.

How to Harvest: Use a sharp knife to cut the head from the base of the plant, leaving the outer leaves intact. These outer leaves can help protect the cabbage head during storage. After harvesting, you can leave the stalk in the ground to see if it will produce a secondary, smaller head.

 

Storing and Using Red Acre Cabbage

Storing Fresh Cabbage: Freshly harvested cabbage can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Place the head in a plastic bag or wrap it in a damp cloth to retain moisture. For longer storage, cabbage can be stored in a cool, dark place or fermented into sauerkraut.

Culinary Uses: Red Acre Cabbage is versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. It is perfect for fresh salads, coleslaws, soups, stews, stir-fries, and fermenting into sauerkraut. Its bright color and crisp texture make it an attractive and tasty addition to any meal.

 

Cabbage Growing Tips

Companion Planting: Plant cabbage alongside herbs like dill and rosemary, which can help repel cabbage moths and other pests. Avoid planting near other brassicas to prevent attracting pests that target this plant family.

Soil Preparation: Cabbage prefers rich, well-drained soil. Work in plenty of organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, before planting to provide essential nutrients and improve soil structure.

Temperature: Cabbage thrives in cooler temperatures. If planting in late summer for a fall crop, provide some shade during the hottest part of the day to prevent the plants from bolting.

Spacing: Ensure proper spacing between plants to allow for adequate air circulation, which can reduce the risk of fungal diseases.

Growing Red Acre Cabbage in your garden ensures a steady supply of colorful, flavorful cabbage throughout the growing season. Enjoy the crisp texture, vibrant color, and numerous health benefits of this quick-growing and easy-to-grow variety!