Vegetables for the Backyard Farm - Backyard Farming: On an Acre - page 104

Cabbage can be started indoors and transplanted to the garden a few weeks before the last frost
date. Seeds only need to be about 1 ⁄ 4 to 1 ⁄ 2 inch deep and planted 12 to 24 inches apart depending
on whether they are an early maturing variety or a late-maturing variety. Cabbage doesn't develop
deep roots so be sure you water consistently to avoid stressing them.
Cabbage adds color to the fall garden as it's available in both green and red varieties. Late-maturing
varieties are much larger and can grow as big as a bowling ball at 6 to 8 pounds! Early maturing
varieties are smaller and can be harvested much sooner.
Brunswick. Large, drumhead cabbage that is historically grown both for market and for long-term
winter storage.
Glory of Enkhuizen. An heirloom variety known as a good sauerkraut cabbage. Medium-large,
bright green heads mature in about three months.
Mammoth Red Rock. Deep red cabbage with huge heads are both colorful and flavorful.
Perfection Drumhead Savoy. Slower to mature, this large drumhead has crinkly or savoyed leaves.
The leaves are milder and after a touch of frost, become very sweet.
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When talking about plants, the savoyed leaves are those that are crinkled. Sometimes you'll see the term
“semi-savoyed,” which simply means “a little crinkled.”
Savoy di Verona is an example of the variety of cabbages available if you use heirloom varieties and grow
them from seed. This cabbage is variegated green and red with a pleasing mix of colors.
(Photo courtesy of Baker Creek Seeds)