Cabbage – Early Round Dutch

Description

Early Round Dutch Cabbage (A.K.A. Round Dutch Cabbage)

100 Seeds per pack

Days to Maturity: 70–75 Days

Sun Requirements: Full sun; tolerates light shade in hot climates.

Botanical Name: (Brassica oleracea)

A heirloom favorite grown in American gardens since the late 1800s, Early Round Dutch Cabbage was originally developed in the Netherlands and became prized for its adaptability and bountiful harvests across a wide range of climates.

Dense, round heads weigh between 4 and 5 pounds and measure 6–8 inches across. The outer leaves are dark blue-green, slightly crinkled, and cup-shaped, while the inner leaves are pale green, tender, and mildly sweet. Small, short-stemmed plants grow to a tidy 12–18 inches tall, well-suited for both market gardens and small garden plots.

Tolerant of heat and slow to bolt, it also thrives in cooler climates with short growing seasons. Sturdy wrapper leaves protect the heads and pair well with dishes like stuffed cabbage.

Sweet and crisp, it’s perfect shredded into slaws, roasted, or simmered in soups and stir-fries. It also shines in fermented preparations like sauerkraut and in traditional Dutch and German dishes.

Compact heads store well, holding flavor and texture for weeks after harvest. Packed with vitamins A, B, and C, it’s a nutritious addition to any meal!

Planting Instructions for Early Round Dutch Cabbage Seeds

When to Plant:
Start seeds indoors 4–6 weeks before your last expected spring frost. Early Round Dutch matures in approximately 70–75 days, making it a good choice for both spring and fall planting. For a fall crop, start seeds indoors or direct-sow in the garden about 9–11 weeks before your first expected autumn frost. In northern zones, begin spring sowing indoors in early to mid-April. In warmer climates, sow outdoors from mid-July to early August for fall harvest.

How to Start Indoors:
Sow seeds ¼″ deep in trays or cells filled with a fine, sterile seed-starting mix. Plant 2–3 seeds per cell, then thin to the strongest seedling after germination. Keep the soil evenly moist and place under bright light or grow lights to prevent leggy growth. Ideal temperature for germination is 60–70°F. Begin feeding with diluted organic fertilizer once the first true leaves appear. Transplant seedlings into larger pots when they develop 4–5 true leaves.

Hardening Off & Transplanting:
Harden off seedlings 7–10 days before transplanting by gradually introducing them to outdoor sun and temperatures. Transplant when plants are 4–6″ tall and nighttime temperatures remain above 40°F. Choose a sunny, sheltered site with well-drained, fertile soil. Amend with compost 1–2 weeks before planting. Space seedlings 15–20″ apart in rows spaced 24–30″ apart to allow room for uniform round heads.

Direct Sowing:
Sow seeds ¼–½″ deep and 15–20″ apart in early summer. Keep the soil consistently moist during germination. Once seedlings appear, thin to one plant per spacing. Protect young plants with row cover to guard against wind, heat, and pests.

Growing Tips:
Early Round Dutch Cabbage benefits from rich soil and consistent moisture. Side-dress with high-nitrogen organic fertilizer 3–4 weeks after transplanting. Mulch with straw or shredded leaves to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Water deeply and regularly—aim for 1″ of water per week, more if soil is sandy.

Pest Management:
Watch for cabbage worms, loopers, flea beetles, root maggots, and deer. Use floating row covers to block pests early in the season. Inspect leaves regularly and remove caterpillars by hand. Cardboard or PVC collars can help deter root maggots. If deer are a problem in your area, use fencing or netting to keep them out. Avoid planting cabbage in the same spot two years in a row to reduce disease and pest pressure.

Diseases to Watch For:
Common cabbage diseases include black rot, alternaria leaf spot, and clubroot. Practice crop rotation, avoid overhead watering, and remove infected plants promptly to prevent spread.

Harvesting:
Harvest when heads are fully formed, round, and firm. Early Round Dutch forms medium-sized globe heads weighing 4–5 lbs. Cut at the base with a sharp knife. To prevent cabbage heads from splitting after heavy rain, gently twist the head to partially break some of the roots, or use a spade to cut a portion of the roots. If heads split, harvest immediately and use promptly.

Storage:
Early Round Dutch stores reasonably well for several weeks in a cool, moist environment(32–40°F, 95% humidity). For longer preservation, consider blanching and freezing or fermenting into sauerkraut.

Seed Saving:

Cabbage is a biennial, meaning it produces seed in its second year of growth. To save seeds, leave healthy, true-to-type Early Round Dutch cabbage plants in the ground over winter, or dig them up and store in a root cellar for replanting in early spring. Plants will bolt and produce flowers, followed by seed pods. Let pods dry on the plant, then harvest and break them open to collect seeds.

Clean and dry the seeds thoroughly. Label and store in a cool, dark, dry place—cabbage seeds remain viable for 3 to 6 years under proper storage conditions. We offer seed-saving envelopes that are ideal for home gardeners—easy to write on and perfect for long-term storage. Isolate from other brassicas to prevent cross-pollination.

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