Cabbage Seeds,
Brunswick

Brunswick cabbage is best grown in the cooler seasons. Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost date in your area. For fall harvest, count back from your first expected frost: the 90 days to maturity plus a 6-8 week seedling stage means sowing about 19 to 21 weeks (132-146 days) ahead, in late spring to early summer. The plant is frost-tolerant, so it can survive light frosts, making it ideal for late-season planting. If you're not sure how to find your first and last frost dates, consult our blog post 'Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.'

Start seeds 1/4 inch deep in seed-starting trays. Keep the soil consistently moist and provide good light. Once seedlings have 2-3 leaves and after the risk of frost has passed, transplant them outdoors, spacing plants 18-20 inches apart in rows 24-36 inches apart. You can also direct sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in well-prepared soil outdoors.

Cabbage thrives in rich, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.0. Provide consistent moisture to avoid splitting heads. Cabbage requires regular watering, especially during dry periods. Use a balanced fertilizer when planting, then side-dress with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer every few weeks. Full sun is ideal, although some afternoon shade can be beneficial in hotter climates.

• If you plan to save seeds, isolate plants from other members of the cabbage species (kale, collards, broccoli, Brussels sprouts and cauliflower) by up to one mile to avoid cross pollination.
• Cabbage is biennial, blooming only after experiencing a winter's chill, and will require overwintering with heavy mulch and row cover in cool winter areas.
• For those with very harsh winters, consider digging up and placing in a root cellar until hard frost has passed.
• In the second season, when flowers have passed and seed pods have dried, dig up the plants and hang upside down to dry.
• Dried pods can be placed in a sack and crushed to release seeds. Remove chaff and detritus.
• Place seeds in a glass jar and refrigerate for up to 5 years.