Cabbage – Golden Acre

Description

Golden Acre Cabbage (A.K.A. Early Golden Acre)

100 Seeds per pack

Days to Maturity: 62–65 Days

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

Botanical Name: (Brassica oleracea)

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Golden Acre Cabbage was introduced in the 1920s by D. M. Ferry & Co. of Detroit, Michigan. Celebrated for its early maturity and compact size, this dependable heirloom quickly became a favorite for small gardens and market growers alike.

Growing to just about 12 inches tall, its tidy, uniform plants produce tightly packed, medium-green heads that weigh 3 to 4 pounds and measure 6–7 inches across. The crisp white interior is tender, with a sweet, mild flavor that becomes buttery and mellow when cooked.

Well-suited for close planting or container planting, Golden Acre is an excellent choice for gardeners seeking a fast growing variety without sacrificing flavor. It thrives in full sun and grows well in a range of temperate climates.

Shred it for slaws, use the leaves for wraps, or cook it in soups, stir-fries, or make sauerkraut—this versatile cabbage can be used in a wide range of dishes. While not a long-keeper, its quick growth and early harvest window make it a practical addition to the summer or fall garden.

Rich in vitamins A, B, and C, it’s a healthy and delicious addition to the garden table!

Disease Resistance: Cabbage Yellows.

Planting Instructions for Golden Acre Cabbage Seeds

When to Plant:
Start seeds indoors 4–6 weeks before your last expected spring frost. Golden Acre matures in about 62–65 days, making it well-suited to early spring or fall planting. For a fall crop, start seeds indoors or direct-sow in the garden about 8–10 weeks before your first expected autumn frost. In northern zones, sow indoors by early to mid-April. In warmer climates, sow directly from mid-July to early August, though avoid planting in a hot spell.

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 12–18″ apart in rows spaced 24–30″ apart to give room for their compact, round heads.

Direct Sowing:
Sow seeds ¼–½″ deep and 12–18″ 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:
Golden Acre Cabbage prefers fertile, well-drained 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 promptly to prevent spread.

Harvesting:
Harvest when heads are firm and reach mature size. Golden Acre forms compact, round, tightly packed heads that typically weigh 3–4 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:
Golden Acre stores moderately well for a few 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 Golden Acre 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 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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