Top 20 Varieties of Cabbage to Grow: Tips, Advice, and Facts

Cabbage is a cool-season vegetable that is both versatile and nutritious, used in a variety of dishes such as salads, slaws, soups, and fermented foods like sauerkraut and kimchi. It comes in many shapes, sizes, and colors, from dense, round heads to loose, leafy varieties. Cabbage is relatively easy to grow, thriving in cooler temperatures and offering a hearty harvest in the spring and fall. Here’s your guide to the top 20 cabbage varieties to grow, with helpful tips, interesting facts, and answers to common questions to help you cultivate this popular crop.

Top 20 Cabbage Varieties to Grow

1. Golden Acre

Tips: Golden Acre grows best in full sun with well-drained soil. Water regularly and harvest when heads are firm and compact.
Facts: This early-maturing heirloom variety produces small, round heads with a sweet, mild flavor, perfect for fresh eating or making coleslaw.

2. Red Express

Tips: Red Express prefers cool weather and full sun. Plant in early spring or late summer for fall harvests.
Facts: Known for its quick maturity, this red cabbage variety produces small, dense heads with a slightly peppery flavor. It’s ideal for fresh salads or pickling.

3. Savoy King

Tips: Savoy King grows well in full sun and moist, well-drained soil. Water regularly to keep the leaves tender.
Facts: This hybrid variety produces large, crinkled heads with a sweet, mild flavor. It’s perfect for stuffing, sautéing, or using in soups.

4. Brunswick

Tips: Brunswick thrives in cool weather and rich soil. Plant in late summer for a fall or winter harvest.
Facts: An old heirloom variety, Brunswick produces large, flat heads with a mild, earthy flavor. It’s great for storage and making sauerkraut.

5. Ruby Perfection

Tips: Ruby Perfection prefers full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Mulch to retain moisture and keep the soil cool.
Facts: This vibrant red cabbage variety produces medium-sized heads with a sweet, mild flavor. It’s great for salads, cooking, or pickling.

6. January King

Tips: January King thrives in cool weather and well-drained soil. Plant in late summer for winter harvests.
Facts: This semi-savoy variety produces green heads with purple-tinged leaves. It’s frost-tolerant and has a sweet, slightly nutty flavor, ideal for winter dishes.

7. Danish Ballhead

Tips: Danish Ballhead grows best in full sun and rich, moist soil. Water consistently and harvest when heads are firm.
Facts: This late-maturing variety produces large, round heads with a dense, crisp texture. It stores well and is ideal for fermenting or cooking.

8. Caraflex

Tips: Caraflex prefers cool weather and full sun. Water regularly to keep the heads tender.
Facts: Known for its unique, conical shape, Caraflex produces small, sweet heads with tender leaves. It’s perfect for fresh salads or light cooking.

9. Red Drumhead

Tips: Red Drumhead thrives in cool weather and fertile soil. Plant in early spring or late summer for fall harvests.
Facts: This heirloom variety produces large, dense red heads with a sweet, crisp flavor. It’s ideal for fresh eating, pickling, or fermenting.

10. Mammoth Red Rock

Tips: Mammoth Red Rock grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. Water regularly and mulch to retain moisture.
Facts: This old heirloom variety produces large, deep red heads with a sweet, slightly peppery flavor. It’s great for fresh salads, slaws, or cooking.

11. Charleston Wakefield

Tips: Charleston Wakefield prefers full sun and rich, moist soil. Plant in early spring for summer harvests.
Facts: This heirloom variety produces small, conical heads with tender leaves and a mild flavor. It’s perfect for fresh eating or cooking.

12. Napa Cabbage

Tips: Napa cabbage grows best in cool weather and rich, well-drained soil. Water regularly and mulch to keep the soil cool.
Facts: This Chinese cabbage variety produces long, light green heads with tender, crinkled leaves. It’s perfect for stir-fries, salads, or making kimchi.

13. Deadon

Tips: Deadon thrives in cool weather and full sun. Plant in late summer for a winter harvest.
Facts: This semi-savoy variety produces green and purple heads with sweet, mild flavor, especially after frost. It’s great for winter salads or cooking.

14. Famosa

Tips: Famosa grows best in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Water consistently and mulch to retain moisture.
Facts: This savoy cabbage variety produces medium-sized, crinkled heads with a mild, sweet flavor. It’s perfect for fresh eating, cooking, or fermenting.

15. Kalibos

Tips: Kalibos prefers cool weather and rich, well-drained soil. Water consistently and mulch to keep the soil cool.
Facts: This unique, conical-shaped red cabbage produces sweet, tender heads with crisp leaves. It’s ideal for fresh salads or light cooking.

16. Stonehead

Tips: Stonehead grows well in full sun and moist, well-drained soil. Water regularly to keep the heads firm and tender.
Facts: This hybrid variety produces compact, round heads with a sweet, mild flavor. It’s resistant to splitting and great for fresh eating or cooking.

17. Copenhagen Market

Tips: Copenhagen Market prefers full sun and fertile soil. Plant in early spring for summer harvests.
Facts: This heirloom variety produces medium-sized, round heads with a dense, crisp texture. It’s ideal for fresh eating, cooking, or making sauerkraut.

18. Tiara

Tips: Tiara grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. Water consistently to keep the heads tender.
Facts: This early-maturing variety produces small, sweet heads with tender leaves, perfect for fresh salads or light cooking.

19. Parel

Tips: Parel thrives in cool weather and full sun. Water regularly to prevent bolting and keep the heads crisp.
Facts: This compact variety produces small, tender heads with a mild flavor, ideal for small gardens or container growing.

20. Blue Vantage

Tips: Blue Vantage grows well in full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Water consistently and mulch to retain moisture.
Facts: This hybrid variety produces large, uniform heads with a sweet, mild flavor. It’s perfect for fresh eating, cooking, or fermenting.

Common Questions About Growing Cabbage

Q: When should I plant cabbage?
A: Cabbage is a cool-season crop and should be planted in early spring for summer harvests or in late summer for fall and winter harvests. The ideal temperature for growing cabbage is between 55-75°F (13-24°C).

Q: Can I grow cabbage in containers?
A: Yes, cabbage can be grown in containers as long as the pots are at least 12-18 inches deep and wide, with good drainage. Compact varieties like ‘Parel’ or ‘Caraflex’ are especially suited for container gardening.

Q: How long does cabbage take to grow?
A: Cabbage typically takes 70-100 days to mature, depending on the variety and growing conditions. Early-maturing varieties may be ready in as little as 60 days, while larger or late-maturing types may take longer.

Q: How do I know when cabbage is ready to harvest?
A: Cabbage is ready to harvest when the heads are firm and compact, but before they split. Cut the heads from the base of the plant, leaving the outer leaves attached for protection.

Q: How do I store harvested cabbage?
A: Freshly harvested cabbage can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, keep it in a cool, dark, and humid location, such as a root cellar, where it can last for several months.