Late Flat Dutch

Family: Brassicaceae Vegetable

A slow, steady beauty for the patient gardener—Late Flat Dutch forms striking, flattened heads with a cool, blue-green sheen that feels crisp and substantial at first touch.

The leaves are finely textured and tightly layered, delivering a sweet, cabbage-forward flavor that shines in hearty preparations and shines even more when used fresh for bold, crunchy salads. Grow it for dependable late-season harvests and a satisfying, firm bite that holds its character through storage.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 95 DaysHabit: Rosette

Botanical illustration of Late 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 25th
Harvest Begins	Jul 29th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	95
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)	30
Harden Off (days)	6

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Late Flat Dutch gives you that dense, finely layered bite—crunchy raw, but it also stays structured when you braise it down. It’s built for cabbage-forward dishes: shredded slaw, browned skillet wedges, or a slow-cooked pot where the greens hold their shape.

Best Uses

shredded slaw with a creamy, tangy dressing
braises and long-simmered soups (cabbage that doesn’t turn to mush fast)
pan-seared cabbage steaks with browned edges
fermentation-friendly chopping for kraut-style pickles

Flavor Profile

cool, sweet cabbage flavor crisp, tightly layered crunch mildly peppery brassica snap holds texture through long cooking

Kitchen Pairings

caraway mustard bacon apple butter white vinegar

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most commonly affects Brassica oleracea var. capitata (late cabbage), and what should I do?

Watch for cabbage worms (imported cabbageworm/diamondback moth larvae) and control them early with handpicking and frequent leaf checks, especially on the undersides. If damage is increasing, apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) labeled for caterpillars and reapply as directed after new larvae hatch. Also manage black rot risk by removing infected leaves immediately and avoiding splashing water between plants, since Brassica can spread bacterial disease through contaminated runoff.

How often should I water Brassica oleracea var. capitata during its main growing phase (from heading formation to maturity)?

Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged once heads begin forming; aim for about 1 inch of water per week, adjusted for heat and rainfall. Water deeply to wet the root zone, then let the top 1 inch of soil dry slightly before watering again to prevent head splitting and root stress. During hot spells in full sun, check moisture 1–2 times per week and increase frequency while still avoiding standing water.

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

Harvest when heads are firm and have filled out the flat, dense shape typical of late cabbage, usually around 95 days from transplanting/when maturity timing aligns. Use the “squeeze test”: the head should feel tight with minimal give, and outer leaves should look sturdy and mature rather than loose. If heads are firm but you see persistent loosening, leave them only briefly—late cabbage can still split if growth becomes too uneven from sudden dry/wet cycles.