Cabbage – All Seasons

Description

100 Seeds per pack

All Seasons Cabbage (A.K.A. Vandergaw Cabbage)

Days to Maturity 80-90 Days

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

Botanical Name: (Brassica oleracea)

First introduced to the public in 1886 through the seed catalog of James J. H. Gregory, All Seasons Cabbage was originally developed by Mr. Vandergaw, a market grower from Long Island. A cross between ‘Flat Dutch’ and an unknown ‘Drumhead’ variety, this heirloom quickly earned popularity for its strong performance across early, mid, and late growing seasons. It tolerates in both heat and drought, holding up admirably in hot, dry weather, while also serving northern growers well as a late-season crop.

Plants reach 12–14 inches in height and spread up to 36 inches wide. Each sturdy head measures 10–11 inches across and weighs between 11–14 pounds, with some specimens nearing 16 pounds. The heads are broad and flat, with tightly packed, tender interiors and handsome deep green outer leaves.

With its mild, sweet flavor and crisp texture, All Seasons is ideal for fresh use in coleslaw, simmering in soups and stews, or fermenting into homemade sauerkraut. It keeps well after harvest, making it an excellent keeper for the pantry or root cellar.

Rich in vitamins A, B, and C, it’s both a flavorful and nourishing addition to the home garden!

Planting Instructions for All Seasons Cabbage Seeds

When to Plant:
Start seeds indoors 4–6 weeks before your last expected spring frost for a summer crop. For a fall harvest, start seeds indoors or direct-sow in the garden about 10–12 weeks before your first expected autumn frost. In northern zones, spring seedlings should be started indoors in early to mid-April. In warmer climates, you may direct-sow in midsummer for a fall crop.

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 15–24″ apart in rows spaced 24–36″ apart, depending on variety size.

Direct Sowing:
Sow seeds ¼–½″ deep and 15–18″ 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:
All Seasons Cabbage is a heavy feeder and thrives in rich soil with 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 immediately to prevent spread.

Harvesting:
Harvest when heads feel firm and reach the expected mature size. All Seasons forms large, broad, flat heads that typically weigh 10–14 lbs. Cut at the base using a sharp knife. To prevent cabbage heads from splitting after heavy rain, gently twist the head to partially break some of the roots, or cut a small portion of the roots with a spade. This slows water uptake and relieves pressure inside the head. If heads split, harvest immediately and use promptly.

Storage:
Store All Seasons Cabbage in a cool, moist environment (32–40°F, 95% humidity) such as a root cellar. For long-term preservation, ferment into sauerkraut or kimchi. Refrigerators are typically too dry for extended storage.

Seed Saving:

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

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

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