Grow Your Brunswick Cabbage

Brunswick cabbage is a German heirloom variety dating back to the 18th century. It was first imported to the US in 1824 and is a favourite for making sauerkraut. This large, green cabbage is very cold hardy and can be grown in spring, summer, or fall. It requires fertile soil with a pH range of 6.5–7.5 and lots of sunlight. When planting, ensure the seeds are 1/4 deep and 2 apart, and keep the soil temperature over 75°F until germination.

Brunswick cabbage thrives in autumn/winter

Brunswick cabbage is a great choice for autumn and winter planting. This is because it flourishes in the cooler temperatures of fall and winter, and it is very cold hardy. It is a large, white, globe-shaped, German heirloom cabbage, first introduced in 1824. It is becoming rarer as winter cabbage growing decreases. It is a great choice for making sauerkraut, soups, stews, and coleslaw.

To grow Brunswick cabbage in the autumn and winter, you must prepare the site. All brassica crops grow best in partial shade, in firm, fertile, free-draining soil. Dig over your soil, removing any stones, and work in well-rotted manure or compost. Tread on the soil to remove air pockets and firm the surface. Brassicas will fail if the soil is too acidic, so add lime to the soil if necessary, aiming for a pH of 6.5 to 7.5.

Sow your Brunswick cabbage seeds thinly in a well-prepared seedbed around 0.5 inches deep and 15 to 20 cm apart. You can sow successionally and grow year-round, but it is usually sown in March to May for harvesting in August to October.

Keep the seedlings watered until they are established. Plant them firmly, closer together for smaller heads, and further apart for larger cabbages. Clear away any yellow leaves and feed the plants as they near maturity.

Brunswick cabbage is susceptible to a wide range of pests and diseases, so practice good sanitation by keeping the garden free of debris and weeds. Check the inside of the bud if you see holes in the leaves. Treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil, spraying inside buds and on the underside of leaves.

It's a large, German heirloom variety

Brunswick cabbage is a German heirloom variety that was first imported to the U.S. in 1824. It is a large, cold-hardy variety with solid medium green heads that typically weigh 6-9 pounds. It is ideal for autumn and winter harvest and has good storage qualities.

To grow Brunswick cabbage, start your seeds inside 8-12 weeks before the last spring frost, planting them in rich soil 1/2 inch deep and 2 inches apart. If you're planting in the fall, direct sow or transplant seedlings in midsummer. Keep the soil temperature over 75°F until germination, then reduce the air temperature to about 60°F.

When it comes to planting, space your seedlings 12-18 inches apart in rows 3-4 feet apart, burying the stems about halfway up. You can also plant in trenches or containers, but make sure they are large enough to accommodate the root system. Brunswick cabbage grows best in full sun, with more than six hours of sunlight per day increasing the size of the heads.

To care for your growing Brunswick cabbage, keep the soil moisture even to prevent the cabbages from splitting. If a sudden excess of moisture occurs, grasp the plant and turn it 90 degrees clockwise to slow down growth and prevent splitting. Cover young plants in the event of hard frosts, and mulch around them to regulate soil temperature and control weeds.

Harvest your Brunswick cabbage as soon as the heads feel firm and have reached a good size. Small cabbages tend to be more tender, while large cabbages from fall growth will keep well over the winter.

Plant seeds indoors 8-12 weeks before spring frost

To successfully grow Brunswick cabbage, it is recommended that you start your seeds indoors 8-12 weeks before the last spring frost. This will give your seeds ample time to germinate and develop before transplanting them outdoors. Here are some detailed steps and guidelines to follow during this critical stage:

Timing is Key: Start your Brunswick cabbage seeds indoors approximately 8-12 weeks before the anticipated last spring frost in your region. This timing ensures that your seedlings will be ready for transplanting outdoors when the weather is more favourable.

Soil Preparation: Fill your seed trays or pots with rich, fertile soil. Brunswick cabbage thrives in soil with a pH range of 6.5-7.5. Ensure the soil is well-drained and has a depth of about 1/4 to 1/2 inch for seed planting. Space your seeds about 2 inches apart in the tray or pot.

Watering and Care: Keep the soil moist but not soaked. Water your seeds regularly and maintain consistent irrigation. Cabbage requires heavy fertilization, so consider using a high-nitrogen fertilizer for optimal growth.

Seedling Development: As your seeds begin to sprout and develop, you'll notice the emergence of leaves. Aim for seedlings to reach about 2 inches in height with a few sets of leaves before transplanting them outdoors. This typically takes around 4-6 weeks after germination.

Gradual Acclimation: Before transplanting, gradually introduce your seedlings to the outdoors. Start by placing them outside for a few hours each day, gradually increasing the duration over a period of several weeks. This process, known as hardening off, helps toughen them up and reduces transplant shock.

Transplanting Outdoors: When the weather warms up, and there is no longer a risk of frost, it's time to transplant your seedlings into the ground or their permanent containers. Space them 12-18 inches apart, with rows 3-4 feet apart, and bury the stems about halfway up.

By following these steps and guidelines, you'll be well on your way to successfully growing healthy Brunswick cabbage plants. Remember, timing is crucial when starting your seeds indoors, so be sure to plan according to your local frost dates.

Requires full sun and fertile, well-watered soil

Brunswick cabbage is a cool-season vegetable that requires full sun and fertile, well-watered soil. It is a large cabbage that is used for making sauerkraut and is very cold-hardy. It can be grown for spring, summer, and fall crops.

When growing Brunswick cabbage, it is important to ensure that the plants receive at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight per day. The soil should be fertile and well-drained, with a pH range of 6.5-7.5. Mix some compost into the soil before planting to ensure the soil is rich in organic matter.

To plant Brunswick cabbage, start the seeds inside 8-12 weeks before the last spring frost, planting them in rich soil 1/2 inch deep and 2 inches apart. For the first crop of the summer, plant your seedlings about 4 weeks before the last expected frost, setting them 12-18 inches apart in rows 3-4 feet apart. Bury the stems about halfway up. Keep the soil moisture even to prevent the cabbages from splitting.

Watering is crucial for Brunswick cabbage, and it is best to water in the morning at the base of the plant. Maintain even soil moisture to prevent the heads from splitting. Apply mulch to help retain soil moisture and reduce weed growth. Fertilize the plants with a high-nitrogen fertilizer, as they require heavy fertilization.

By following these steps and providing full sun and fertile, well-watered soil, you can successfully grow healthy and hearty Brunswick cabbage.

Harvest when firm and a good size

Harvesting your Brunswick cabbage at the right time is crucial to ensure the best flavour and texture. You should aim to harvest when the heads feel firm and have reached a good size. The size of the head will depend on your preference, but a general rule of thumb is to harvest when the heads are between 6-9 lbs.

Brunswick cabbage is a large, drumhead variety, which can be harvested from late summer to early autumn. The heads will continue to grow unless temperatures reach freezing. This variety takes approximately 90 days to reach maturity, so be sure to calculate the ideal harvesting time based on your location and climate. Cold and frost give Brunswick cabbage a sweeter flavour, so it is worth considering your desired flavour profile when planning your harvest.

When harvesting, use a sharp knife to cut the heads from the stem. It is important to handle the heads gently as they can be fragile. After harvesting, you can store the heads in a cool, dry place. With proper storage, Brunswick cabbage can keep well over the winter.

Small cabbages tend to be more tender, while larger cabbages from fall growth will have a firmer texture and keep better in storage. If you are planning to make sauerkraut, it is best to harvest the cabbage when it is still young and tender.

Frequently asked questions