Giant Flat Dutch

Family: Brassicaceae Vegetable

Sweetly savory and richly aromatic, Giant Flat Dutch forms broad, flat heads with a dense, crisp bite and a beautifully tight leaf wrap.

The surface is finely textured and deeply veined, holding its shape through cool weather for dependable, satisfying harvests. Ideal for hearty cabbage dishes—shredding for slaws, simmering for braises, and fermenting for tangy kraut—this is a classic Flat Dutch performer with extra presence in the garden.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 85 DaysHabit: Rosette

Botanical illustration of Giant Flat Dutch

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 12th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	85
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Rosette
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	45
Min Soil Temp (°F)	45
Min Night Temp (°F)	32
Harden Off (days)	6

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

With its broad, flat head and tight leaf wrap, this cabbage shreds into clean ribbons that hold crunch instead of turning watery. Heat coaxes out a richly aromatic, sweet-savory brassica flavor that’s tailor-made for kraut, braises, and those crisp, caramelized-edge wedges.

Best Uses

fine shredding for crunchy slaw under a sharp vinaigrette
slow braises where the flat leaves wrap and hold shape
fermenting into tangy kraut that stays snappy
pan-searing thick cabbage wedges until edges caramelize

Flavor Profile

sweetly savory, gently peppery crisp, dense leaf bite cabbagey aroma that blooms with heat slaw-friendly crunch that stays intact

Kitchen Pairings

caraway seeds juniper berries apple cider vinegar mustard bacon butter

Frequently Asked Questions

What pests or diseases commonly affect Brassica oleracea var. capitata (cabbage/Flat Dutch), and how can I prevent or treat them?

Watch for cabbage worms (imported cabbage moth/cabbage loopers) and aphids, which can skeletonize leaves and leave sticky honeydew. Hand-pick caterpillars early and spray with an approved Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) when small larvae are present; for aphids, use a strong water spray and apply insecticidal soap if numbers persist. Also monitor for clubroot (swollen, deformed roots) and prevent it by avoiding replanting brassicas in the same spot and keeping soil slightly limed to a target pH of about 6.5–7 (if your soil test supports it).

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

During the 6–8 weeks when heads are forming (roughly mid-season through about day 70), keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply about 1–2 times per week to wet the root zone; increase to more frequent watering in heat or windy weather, and use mulch to reduce moisture swings that can cause loose heads. If the top 1 inch of soil dries out, it’s time to water again—steady moisture helps firm, tight heads by harvest (around day 85).

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

Harvest when heads reach firm tightness—when you gently squeeze, they should feel solid and not springy. Typical harvest timing is about 85 days from sowing/transplanting to maturity, but use firmness as the final cue rather than the calendar alone. If outer leaves begin to yellow heavily or heads split from irregular moisture, harvest promptly to avoid quality loss.