Alcosa

Family: Brassicaceae Vegetable

Crisp and richly green at maturity, Alcosa forms a tightly layered head that feels cool and substantial in the hand—dense enough to promise satisfying crunch.

The leaves are tender yet sturdy, with a smooth, slightly sweet character that shines in fresh salads and quick sautéed dishes, and it also holds beautifully for classic cabbage preparations. Grow Alcosa for a dependable, 75-day harvest that brings garden-grown texture and color to every plate.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 75 DaysHabit: Rosette

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Mar 28th
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 18th
Harvest Begins	Jul 2nd
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	75
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Rosette
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	45
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	32
Harden Off (days)	6

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Alcosa’s tightly layered head gives you a crunch that doesn’t immediately collapse, so it holds up in slaws and gets especially rewarding when heat coaxes out sweet, roasted edges. It’s mild enough for fresh work, but sturdy enough to braise into cabbage rolls without turning wet or stringy.

Best Uses

thin-slice slaw that stays snappy under a vinegar-based dressing
quick sauté or stir-fry where the leaves retain structure
braise or roast wedges for caramelized edges and sweet steam-softened layers
classic cabbage rolls where the leaves need to stay pliable without turning mushy

Flavor Profile

cool, crisp crunch slightly sweet cabbage leaf tender-but-sturdy layered texture clean, green finish with a mild brassica bite

Kitchen Pairings

caraway apple cider vinegar garlic butter smoked sausage mustard

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease is most likely on Brassica oleracea var. capitata (cabbage) and how do I treat it at home?

Watch for cabbage worms (imported cabbageworm/diamondback) and aphids, which chew leaves and stunt head formation. Inspect undersides weekly and control early with Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) for caterpillars and a strong water blast or insecticidal soap for aphids; remove heavily infested leaves and keep the bed free of weeds. If you see black rot-like browning of leaf veins or a foul odor, discard affected plants and avoid re-planting brassicas in the same spot for several seasons.

How often should I water Brassica oleracea var. capitata during head formation?

During the main growing phase (when heads begin to form), keep soil consistently evenly moist—about 1–1.5 inches of water per week total, adjusted for heat and rainfall. Water deeply so moisture reaches the root zone, and avoid letting soil swing dry then wet, which can lead to loose heads and stress. Mulch around plants to reduce moisture fluctuations, especially in full sun.

How can I tell when my cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) is ready to harvest?

Harvest when heads are firm to the touch and have reached a good full size for your spacing, typically around 75 days from sowing/transplanting depending on your schedule. The outer leaves should look fresh and the head should feel heavy and tight; if the head starts to loosen or show signs of early flowering, harvest immediately. Cut the head at the base with a sharp knife, leaving a few outer leaves to protect the head.