Red cabbage is delicious and healthy. That is why more and more hobby gardeners are cultivating it in their own gardens. But what about the harvest? When is it ready to harvest and how is it harvested correctly? We explain.

Most red cabbage varieties are ready for harvest from August

Harvest time for red cabbage

Red cabbage can be grown from April and planted outdoors from May. Mini red cabbage can be harvested as early as June. However, these cannot be stored for long. However, they are delicious and can be used in decorative salads. There are also some early varieties that are already a stately size in June.
If you want to harvest “supermarket-sized” red cabbage, you can usually do this from mid-August to November.
Harvest your red cabbage when it is plump, round and at the desired size. If you wait too long to harvest, the red cabbage will burst and become tough. In addition, you should definitely harvest red cabbage before the first frost, because it is not hardy.

The correct procedure for harvesting red cabbage

Once the cabbage is the size you want, arm yourself with a sharp, clean knife and get to work:

  • Remove outer, protruding leaves.
  • Then cut the cabbage just above the ground.
  • Be careful not to damage the leaves and cut the cabbage deep enough so it doesn't fall apart.
  • Then shake off the soil and dirt and remove any other dirty or dead leaves, leaving only a round, clean ball of red cabbage.

After harvest

If you want to store your red cabbage, you should under no circumstances clean it with water and be careful not to damage it during harvest! Then it can be stored in the refrigerator or in a cool cellar for several weeks to several months.

Key facts at a glance

  • Harvest mini red cabbage or early varieties from the end of June
  • Harvest late and mid-late varieties from mid-August
  • work with a clean and sharp knife
  • Do not damage the red cabbage and only clean it dry before storing

tips

The development time of red cabbage varies depending on the variety. Here we have summarized the most important varieties and the duration from sowing to harvest for you.

Category:

Vegetable garden