Transform Your Garden: Essential Tips for How to Grow Drumhead Cabbage

Drumhead cabbage, with its large, flat heads and sweet, slightly nutty flavor, is a popular choice for home gardeners. Learning how to grow drumhead cabbage is surprisingly easy, and the rewards are plentiful – fresh, homegrown cabbage for salads, stir-fries, and even sauerkraut. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, from seed selection to harvest, ensuring you can enjoy the delicious bounty of this versatile vegetable.

Choosing the Right Drumhead Cabbage Variety

The first step in your journey to growing drumhead cabbage is selecting the right variety. Consider these factors:

• Maturity: Drumhead cabbage varieties come with different maturity times. Choose a variety that aligns with your growing season. Early maturing varieties like ‘Early Jersey Wakefield’ are perfect for shorter seasons, while late-maturing varieties like ‘Danish Ballhead’ can thrive in warmer climates.
• Head Size: Drumhead cabbage varieties offer a range of head sizes. If you have limited space, opt for smaller varieties like ‘Golden Acre’. For larger harvests, choose varieties like ‘Stonehead’.
• Disease Resistance: Selecting disease-resistant varieties can minimize the risk of common cabbage problems like clubroot or black rot. Look for varieties labeled as resistant to specific diseases.

Preparing Your Garden Bed for Drumhead Cabbage

Drumhead cabbage thrives in fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0-6.5. Follow these steps to prepare your garden bed:

• Soil Testing: Conduct a soil test to determine the pH and nutrient levels. Adjust the pH with lime or sulfur if necessary.
• Enrichment: Incorporate compost or well-rotted manure into the soil to improve its fertility and drainage.
• Tilling: Till the soil to a depth of 12 inches, removing any weeds or debris. Ensure the soil is loose and friable.
• Spacing: Drumhead cabbage needs ample space to grow. Allow 18-24 inches between plants and 30 inches between rows.

Sowing Drumhead Cabbage Seeds

You can start drumhead cabbage seeds indoors or directly outdoors. Here’s how to do each:

Starting Seeds Indoors:

• Timing: Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date.
• Containers: Use seed trays or small pots filled with seed starting mix.
• Depth: Sow seeds ¼ inch deep and space them 1 inch apart.
• Moisture: Keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy.
• Light: Provide seedlings with 14-16 hours of daily light.
• Hardening Off: Before transplanting outdoors, gradually acclimate seedlings to outdoor conditions by exposing them to sunlight and cooler temperatures for a week or two.

Direct Sowing Outdoors:

• Timing: Sow seeds outdoors after the last frost date when soil temperatures reach at least 40°F.
• Depth: Sow seeds ¼ inch deep and space them 12 inches apart.
• Thinning: Once seedlings have several true leaves, thin them to 18-24 inches apart.

Transplanting Drumhead Cabbage Seedlings

Once your seedlings are strong and have developed several true leaves, it’s time to transplant them to your garden bed. Follow these steps:

• Timing: Transplant seedlings in the evening or on a cloudy day to minimize stress.
• Preparation: Dig holes slightly larger than the root ball of your seedlings.
• Watering: Water the holes thoroughly before planting.
• Placement: Gently remove seedlings from their containers and place them in the holes, ensuring the root ball is level with the soil surface.
• Firming: Firm the soil around the seedlings and water them deeply.

Caring for Your Drumhead Cabbage Plants

Providing your drumhead cabbage plants with proper care will ensure healthy growth and bountiful harvests. Here’s what you need to do:

• Watering: Water deeply and consistently, especially during dry periods. Aim for 1 inch of water per week.
• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer every 3-4 weeks, following the package instructions.
• Weeding: Keep your garden bed free of weeds, as they compete with your cabbage plants for nutrients and water.
• Pests and Diseases: Monitor your plants regularly for pests like cabbage worms and aphids. Use organic pest control methods or insecticidal soap if necessary. Also, watch for signs of diseases like clubroot or black rot and take appropriate measures to prevent their spread.

Harvesting Your Drumhead Cabbage

Drumhead cabbage is ready for harvest when the heads are firm and dense. Here’s how to harvest:

• Timing: Harvest cabbage heads when they are about 6-8 inches in diameter.
• Cutting: Use a sharp knife to cut the head about 1 inch above the base.
• Storage: Store harvested cabbage in a cool, dry place for up to 2 weeks.

Beyond the Harvest: Enjoying Your Drumhead Cabbage

Once you have harvested your drumhead cabbage, there are endless ways to enjoy it. Here are some ideas:

• Salads: Slice or shred fresh cabbage for salads, adding a crisp texture and mild flavor.
• Stir-fries: Chop cabbage into thin strips and add it to your favorite stir-fries.
• Sauerkraut: Ferment cabbage to create traditional sauerkraut, a tangy and healthy condiment.
• Coleslaw: Shred cabbage and combine it with mayonnaise, vinegar, and other ingredients for a classic side dish.

From Seed to Table: A Rewarding Journey

Growing drumhead cabbage from seed is a rewarding experience. By following these steps, you can enjoy fresh, homegrown cabbage throughout the season. Remember to choose the right variety, prepare your garden bed, and provide your plants with proper care. With a little effort, you’ll be rewarded with delicious and nutritious cabbage for your table.

What You Need to Know

1. When is the best time to plant drumhead cabbage?

The best time to plant drumhead cabbage is in the spring or fall, depending on your climate. In warmer climates, you can plant it in the fall for a winter harvest. In colder climates, plant it in the spring after the last frost date.

2. How do I prevent cabbage worms from eating my plants?

Cabbage worms are a common pest that can damage cabbage plants. You can prevent them by using row covers, handpicking them off the plants, or using organic insecticides like Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt).

3. What are the signs of clubroot disease in cabbage?

Clubroot disease is caused by a soilborne fungus that infects cabbage roots. Signs of clubroot include stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and swollen, deformed roots.

4. Can I grow drumhead cabbage in containers?

Yes, you can grow drumhead cabbage in containers. Choose a container that is at least 12 inches in diameter and depth. Make sure to use a well-draining potting mix and water regularly.

5. How long does it take for drumhead cabbage to mature?

The time it takes for drumhead cabbage to mature varies depending on the variety. Early maturing varieties can take 60-75 days, while late-maturing varieties can take 90-120 days.