Cabbage is a vegetable that prefers cool and temperate climates, growing best between 60 and 68 °F (15 and 20ºC) approximately. With days to maturity that may take up to 150 days after planting, time may vary depending on several factors, such as weather conditions and heat waves. Some cabbage varieties can be harvested in only 65 to 80 days. So, how to know when cabbages are ready to harvest? This article summarizes all the tips you need to know to answer a widespread question among gardeners, When Is Cabbage Ready To Harvest? Let’s see How You Know When Cabbage Is Ready to Harvest.
From 32 °F (0 °C), the cabbage plant is already growing, albeit slowly, so winter is not usually a problem for it in many regions.
For most cabbage varieties, planting usually takes place from mid-winter to mid-summer.
Since the duration of cabbage cultivation is usually about 150 days (5 months), sowing should be planned according to each location’s climate and knowing the temperature requirements mentioned above. However, keep in mind that some varieties can be harvested in only 65 to 80 days, such as Copenhagen Market Early cabbage and Red Acre cabbage.
In this article, we will explain How Do You Know When Cabbage Is Ready to Harvest? Let’s start.
When Is Cabbage Ready To Harvest
As a gardener, you should pay attention to a few signs to understand the most common question regarding this beautiful vegetable, when is cabbage ready to harvest?
The best way to determine how you know when cabbage is ready to harvest is by touching the cabbage head periodically when approaching the days to maturity. When cabbage heads are firm to the touch, they are ready to be harvested.
Recommended Post: How Often to Water Cabbage
How Do You Know When Cabbage Is Ready to Harvest?
How Do You Know When Cabbage Is Ready to Harvest? You will know that the cabbage is ready to harvest by the maturity of the cabbage heads. Some cabbage varieties are ready to harvest earlier than others, such as Copenhagen Market Early cabbage, which is ready to harvest in 65 days. A firm cabbage head indicates that it is ready for harvest.
When cabbage heads are firm to the touch, they are ready to be harvested. The size for harvesting cabbage varies with different cabbage varieties. The head of cabbage can be small or large enough to be harvested. It is only essential that it is firm to the touch. Also, the cabbage will be ready to be harvested according to the climatic conditions in which it was developed.
There are many varieties of cabbage, and they have different times to be harvested. For example, Copenhagen Market Early cabbage is ready to harvest at 65 days. Red Acre cabbage takes 75 to 80 days to maturity. It is important to check the maturity time of each species of cabbage, but the vast majority is between 65 and 85 days to harvest cabbage.
How To Know When Cabbage Is Ready to Harvest
How To Know When Cabbage Is Ready to Harvest? You will start harvesting cabbages in mid-December (Northern Hemisphere). They remain in the garden withstanding frost (up to 20 °F (-7ºC) and snow until March or April without any problem. We harvest the ones we consume without keeping them at home for more than a week.
The cabbages are harvested when they have reached the right size and are hard when pressed by hand.
Sometimes, due to excess humidity or ripening, cabbages open, so you will have to harvest them before reaching this point.
- 5 VARIETY PACK - All the seeds you need for your cabbage garden. 5 Varieties to help you grow a cabbage garden at home. Michihili (napa), Red Acre, Copenhagen Market Early, Bok Choy (Pak Choi), and Golden Acre variety seed packets.
- FREE BONUS - 5 Free plant markers to help you keep track of what cabbage seed you planted where.
- WATER RESISTANT PACKAGING - Our high-quality heirloom seeds are packaged in professional seed packets. Also included on every package are growing and harvesting instructions.
How to Harvest Cabbage
Now you know when cabbage is ready to harvest. Let’s see some tips regarding How to Harvest Cabbage.
A sharp knife should be used to harvest the cabbage. Cut the head of the cabbage at the bottom of the stalk and leave the outer leaves attached to the stalk. In this way, you will be able to have a second harvest of cabbage. They will be smaller but just as tasty.
After 30 to 60 days after the first cut, you should harvest another three or four smaller heads of cabbage, which have formed in the place of the previous one. These are tender and juicier than the first cabbage crop. We recommend our article about How and When to Harvest Fairy Tale Eggplant.
Final Thoughts Regarding Harvesting Cabbages
Let’s see a couple of final thoughts regarding when cabbage is ready to harvest and how to do it.
When Is Cabbage Ready To Harvest? Gardeners should periodically inspect their cabbages when approaching the days to maturity (which can vary for several reasons, including varieties of cabbages).
At the right harvest time, the cabbage heads should be full (forming a tight and dense structure head) and firm. A cabbage head should feel solid when you gently squeeze them. If the heads are still soft or loose, they might need more time to mature. When the heads appear to be of good size, shape, and density and feel firm to the touch, they are likely ready for harvest.
It’s important not to wait too long to harvest cabbage, as overmature heads can become tough, bitter, and develop cracks or splitting. Once you determine that the cabbage is ready, it’s best to harvest it promptly.
To harvest cabbage, use a sharp knife or garden shears to cut the head from the stem, leaving a few outer leaves attached to protect the head. After harvesting, store cabbage heads in a cool, dry place or refrigerator to maintain their freshness.
Hope you have a great cabbage harvest!
