Early White

Family: Brassicaceae Brassica

Crisp and luminous, Early White forms tight, round heads with a clean, pale-green to creamy-white interior that feels cool and snappy at first touch.

Expect a fine, tender crunch and a mild, sweet cabbage flavor that shines in quick fresh preparations and classic slaws, while also holding its own for braising and hearty winter-style dishes. A dependable 55-day favorite for gardeners who want early harvests without sacrificing that satisfying, garden-fresh bite.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 55 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 25th
Harvest Begins	Jun 19th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	55
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Rosette
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	85
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	35
Harden Off (days)	6

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

This early head is built for speed: luminous, snappy leaves take acid and salt without collapsing into watery strands. Use it shaved or wedge-braised—its mild sweetness blooms under heat while keeping that tight, cool crunch at the edges.

Best Uses

quick slaw with a vinegar-sugar dressing (stays crisp, doesn’t turn wet fast)
shaved cabbage sautéed hot and fast for a fresh-tasting wok-style side
braised cabbage wedges with bacon or butter—sweeter as it softens
stuffed/roasted cabbage leaves where the leaves stay pliable but still have structure

Flavor Profile

cool, snappy crunch mild sweet cabbage flavor tender, fine-grained bite clean finish with a light brassica edge

Kitchen Pairings

caraway apple cider vinegar bacon mustard butter

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my Brassica oleracea var. capitata (cabbage, Early White) leaves turning yellow and developing holes, and what should I do?

Cabbage commonly suffers from cabbage worms (including imported cabbageworm and loopers) and aphids, which can cause ragged holes and distorted growth. Inspect the undersides of leaves twice a week and hand-pick caterpillars when you see them; for control, spray an appropriate Bt product (Bacillus thuringiensis) in the evening to target young larvae and repeat as directed on the label. If you see heavy aphid colonies, blast them off with water and spot-treat affected patches with an insecticidal soap, reapplying after 5–7 days if needed.

How often should I water Brassica oleracea var. capitata during its main head-forming phase?

During head formation (roughly mid-growth through the last few weeks before harvest), keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged to prevent loose heads and splitting. Water deeply about 1–2 times per week, then adjust so the top 1–2 inches of soil stays slightly damp—use more frequent watering in hot, windy weather. Mulch helps stabilize moisture, but avoid overhead irrigation that keeps cabbage foliage wet for long periods.

How can I tell when my Early White cabbage is ready to harvest?

Harvest when heads are firm to the touch and have reached their variety-typical size, typically about 55 days after sowing (or per your transplanting schedule). Check a few outer heads: if the wrapper leaves feel crisp and the head doesn’t compress easily, it’s ready. Don’t wait until the head is overmature—firm heads can start to crack, especially after heavy rain.