Description
Late Flat Dutch Cabbage (A.K.A. Drumhead, Surehead)
100 Seeds per pack
Days to Maturity: 95–110 Days
Sun Requirements: Full sun; tolerates light shade in hot climates.
Botanical Name: (Brassica oleracea)
Brought to the U.S. by German immigrants in the 1840s, this stalwart heirloom quickly earned its place in American gardens for its impressive size and superb storage ability. Officially listed by D. M. Ferry & Co. in their 1924 seed catalog, it originated in the Netherlands and became a go-to for market growers and homesteaders due to its dependability, size and adaptability.
Plants grow to about 18 inches tall with a matching spread, forming massive, broad, flattened heads that often weigh 10–15 pounds, and in exceptional cases, up to 20–30 pounds! Heads measure up to 12 inches across, with robust bluish-green wrapper leaves and a crisp, pale green to white interior.
The flavor is mild and subtly sweet, and is ideal for coleslaw, boiling, steaming, or braising. Its dense texture also makes it particularly well-suited to sauerkraut and kimchi.
Late Flat Dutch grows best in cool weather with mild night temperatures. It may struggle during long hot spells, but bounces back when the weather turns cooler and wetter. It also stands up well to cold, making it a great choice for fall planting.
Stores exceptionally well for months when stored in a cool, moist location, holding its flavor and crunch remarkably well. Rich in calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium, it brings both nourishment and flavor to the table!
Planting Instructions for Late Flat Dutch Cabbage Seeds
When to Plant:
Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before your last expected spring frost. Late Flat Dutch takes 95–110 days to mature, so it’s best suited for spring planting in short season zones or as a long-season fall crop in regions with mild autumns. For a fall harvest, sow seeds about 12–14 weeks before your expected first frost date.
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 fertile, well-drained soil. Amend with compost 1–2 weeks before planting. Space seedlings 18–24″ apart in rows 30–36″ apart to allow room for this large variety.
Direct Sowing:
Sow seeds ¼–½″ deep and 18–24″ apart in early summer for a fall crop. Keep the soil evenly moist during germination. Once seedlings appear, thin to one plant per spacing. Protect young plants with row covers.
Growing Tips:
Late Flat Dutch is a heavy feeder and benefits from nutrient-rich soil. Side-dress with high-nitrogen fertilizer 3–4 weeks after transplanting. Mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Provide 1″ of water per week, adjusting for soil type and weather. Avoid drought stress during head development.
Pest Management:
Watch for cabbage worms, loopers, flea beetles, root maggots, and deer. Use row covers early in the season. Hand-pick caterpillars as needed. Cardboard or PVC collars can help deter root maggots. Install fencing or netting if deer are a concern. Rotate crops to reduce pest and disease pressure.
Diseases to Watch For:
Susceptible to common cabbage diseases including black rot, alternaria, and clubroot. Practice good crop rotation and sanitation. Avoid overhead watering and promptly remove infected plants.
Harvesting:
Harvest Late Flat Dutch when the heads are large, solid, and flat—typically 10–15 lbs, though they can reach up to 20–30 lbs under ideal conditions. Use a sharp knife to cut at the base. To reduce risk of splitting, especially after heavy rain, gently twist or sever some roots with a spade.
Storage:
Late Flat Dutch is a renowned storage variety. Store heads in a root cellar or other cold (32–40°F), moist (95% humidity) space. Properly stored, they can last for months.
Seed Saving:
Cabbage is a biennial and will flower in its second year. To save seeds, overwinter healthy, true-to-type Late Flat Dutch plants or store them in a root cellar and replant in early spring. Plants will bolt, flower, and form seed pods. Let pods mature and dry on the plant. Harvest, thresh, clean, and store seeds in a cool, dark, dry place. Seeds remain viable for 3 to 6 years. We offer seed-saving envelopes for easy labeling and storage. Be sure to isolate from other brassicas to maintain genetic purity.
FAQ:
What is the historical or notable background of Late Flat Dutch Cabbage?
Late Flat Dutch Cabbage was introduced to the U.S. by German immigrants in the 1840s and officially listed in D. M. Ferry & Co.'s 1924 seed catalog. Originating in the Netherlands, it quickly became a favorite for its large size, adaptability, and long storage life.
How would you describe the flavor of Late Flat Dutch Cabbage?
Late Flat Dutch Cabbage has a mild, subtly sweet flavor that holds up well in cooking, making it ideal for coleslaw, steaming, braising, and especially fermentation in sauerkraut or kimchi.
What does Late Flat Dutch Cabbage look like, and what are its growing habits?
Late Flat Dutch Cabbage forms massive, broad, flat-topped heads that can reach 10–15 pounds, occasionally up to 30 pounds under ideal conditions. The plants grow about 18 inches tall with an equal spread, featuring bluish-green wrapper leaves and a dense, pale green to white interior. It grows best in cool seasons and requires ample space due to its large size.
How and when do I harvest Late Flat Dutch Cabbage?
Harvest when the heads are large, solid, and flat—typically between 10–15 lbs. Use a sharp knife to cut at the base. If heavy rain threatens, twist or sever roots to help prevent splitting.
When is the best time to plant Late Flat Dutch Cabbage?
Late Flat Dutch is best suited for spring planting in cooler regions or as a long-season fall crop in areas with mild, extended autumns. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before your last expected spring frost. For fall harvests, sow seeds 12–14 weeks before your first expected frost, ensuring enough time for full head development before cold sets in.
What are the common culinary uses of Late Flat Dutch Cabbage?
This cabbage is perfect for a wide range of dishes, including coleslaw, boiled cabbage, steamed sides, braised dishes, and fermented foods like sauerkraut and kimchi.
What’s the best way to store Late Flat Dutch Cabbage after harvest?
Store heads in a cold (32–40°F), humid (95%) environment like a root cellar. Properly stored, Late Flat Dutch holds its flavor and crunch for several months!
What nutrients does Late Flat Dutch Cabbage provide?
Late Flat Dutch Cabbage is rich in calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium, contributing to a nutritious diet alongside its culinary versatility.
Does Late Flat Dutch Cabbage have any notable disease resistance?
While not known for strong resistance, it is susceptible to black rot, alternaria, and clubroot. Good crop rotation, sanitation, and avoiding overhead watering can help minimize disease issues.
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