Heirloom / Open Pollinated Cabbages are a hardy, biennial, cool season crop, growing best where the summers are mild. Early maturing heirloom cabbage varieties are planted in the spring, and longer season heirloom varieties are usually planted in summer for a fall harvest. Start spring cabbage varieties indoors 6-8 wks before last frost or direct seed in full sun. Plant seeds ¼-½” deep, 4-6″ apart, in rows 2-3′ apart. Germination usually occurs in 5-17 days in soil 55-75°F. Thin heirloom cabbage plants to or set out transplants 15-24″ apart. Harvest early cabbage varieties promptly to avoid bursting, later types will hold in the field longer. At harvest, keep 2-3 wrapper leaves to protect heirloom cabbage heads from bruising.