Red Cabbage

Brassica oleracea var. capitata f. rubra

ModerateBiennial

Red cabbage is a cool-season cabbage with reddish leaves, grown from seed in full sun and usually harvested about 60 to 90 days after transplanting.

Quick facts

Germination time: Not yet verified
Germination temperature: Not yet verified
Sowing depth: 6 mm–1.5 cm¼–½ in
Spacing between plants: 38–46 cm15–18 in
Days to maturity: 60–90 days from transplanting
Sun: Full sun, partial shade

Safety for cats and dogs: not yet verified.

Compare with another seed How to grow it

By SeedBattle EditorsUpdated Oct 19, 2026

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01 · Overview

About red cabbage

About. Red cabbage is a cool-season cabbage with reddish leaves, grown for the dense head of leaves it forms. Leaves range from smooth to crinkled and from light green to reddish. The plant is biennial but is usually treated as an annual in gardens. Deep red Red Jewel and reddish-purple Ruby Perfection are two red-headed choices.

Growing details

Start indoors: Not yet verified
Sow outdoors: 2–3 weeks before the last frost
Water: Moderate
Containers: Not yet verified
Height: 25–61 cm10 in–2 ft
Spread: 30–61 cm1–2 ft
Frost tolerance: Hardy
Soil pH: pH 5.8–6.5
Life cycle: Biennial

Sowing timeline

When to sow red cabbage seeds

Counted from your area's average last spring frost date. Find yours from a local weather service or garden center, then count back or forward.

Sow outdoors2–3 weeks before the last frost

Days to maturity: 60–90 days from transplanting
Frost tolerance: Hardy

02 · How to grow

How to grow red cabbage from seed

Sowing. Sow seeds outdoors about 2 to 3 weeks before the last spring frost, about ¼ to ½ inch (0.6 to 1.3 cm) deep. For direct sowing, plant 3 or 4 seeds about 12 inches (30 cm) apart and ½ inch (1.3 cm) deep, then thin to one plant per spot. Seeds can also be started indoors and moved to the garden later for a fall or winter crop.

Spacing. Space plants 15 to 18 inches (38 to 46 cm) apart in the row. Closer spacing, about 12 inches (30 cm), gives smaller heads.

Fall crop. For a fall crop, sow seed about 3 weeks before setting out plants, in mid-July to early August depending on cultivar and location.

03 · Care

Caring for red cabbage

Light. Give red cabbage full sun, meaning at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.

Water. Water deeply and infrequently while keeping soil evenly moist. Aim for about 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) of water per week. Mulch around the plants to conserve moisture and reduce weeds.

Weeds and feeding. Cabbage roots are shallow, so slice weeds off at ground level with a sharp hoe to avoid injuring the plant. Avoid extra nitrogen after heads begin to form, since high nitrogen then causes loose heads and splitting.

At a glance

How red cabbage compares with other vegetables

Worked out from the growing facts of the 79 seeds in Vegetables on SeedBattle.

Red Cabbage
Each of the other vegetables
Their average

See all vegetables

Days to maturityAbout average
60–90 days from transplanting
Average for vegetables: 73 days, from 14 other seeds
Sowing depthShallower than average
6 mm–1.5 cm¼–½ in
Average for vegetables: 1 cm½ in, from 58 other seeds
Spacing between plantsWider than average
38–46 cm15–18 in
Average for vegetables: 34 cm14 in, from 43 other seeds
HeightShorter than average
25–61 cm10 in–2 ft
Average for vegetables: 94 cm3 ft, from 57 other seeds

04 · Problems

Common red cabbage problems

Splitting. Heavy rain or irrigation just before harvest can make heads split. Pulling the plant up and gently twisting it breaks some roots and can reduce water uptake.

Insects. Aphids, cabbage loopers and cabbageworms are common pests. Flea beetles are also a major insect problem.

Tipburn. Tipburn breaks down leaf tissue near the center of the head, which turns dry and brown or black. Avoid excess fertilizer and water stress during head development.

Black rot. Black rot is a bacterial disease that can be carried on seed or transplants and is favored by warm, moist weather. Buy transplants tagged as certified disease-free to help prevent it.

05 · Harvest

Harvesting red cabbage

When to pick. Harvest when the heads are firm and full size, before they split. Plants are typically ready about 60 to 80 days after transplanting, and another estimate is 60 to 90 days from transplanting.

Cutting. Cut the stem below the head and leave 2 to 3 wrapper leaves for protection. Move cut heads out of direct sun quickly, since sun can blister them. Cabbage can be eaten raw or cooked and tastes best after a frost.

06 · Storage

Storing red cabbage

Storing. Cabbage can be kept in a perforated plastic bag in the refrigerator for two to four weeks. At 32 °F (0 °C) and 95% relative humidity, heads can keep for 2 to 6 months. Avoid storing cabbage with apples or pears, which can make it bitter.

07 · Safety

Red Cabbage safety

Horses. Red cabbage is listed as a problem for horses. The leaves are edible.

Red Cabbage questions

When should I plant red cabbage?

Sow seeds outdoors about 2 to 3 weeks before the last spring frost. For a fall crop, sow about 3 weeks before setting out plants, in mid-July to early August depending on cultivar and location.

How deep should I plant red cabbage seeds?

Plant seeds about ¼ to ½ inch (0.6 to 1.3 cm) deep.

How long does red cabbage take to mature?

Plants are typically ready about 60 to 80 days after transplanting. Another estimate is 60 to 90 days from transplanting.

Why does my red cabbage head split?

Heavy rain or irrigation just before harvest can cause heads to split. Keeping soil moisture even and avoiding extra nitrogen after heads form helps prevent splitting.

Quick answers