Red Bull

Family: Brassicaceae Brassica

Crisp, jewel-toned heads arrive with a deep, wine-red glow that darkens beautifully as they mature—an eye-catching crunch with a pleasantly sweet, cabbage-forward bite.

Red Bull forms tight, heavy cabbages with a dense, fine texture that holds its shape for standout slaws and vibrant color in cooked dishes, while also shining in fresh salads for gardeners who love bold, tangy flavor. Grow it for a reliable 85-day harvest when you want striking color, satisfying crunch, and dependable performance in warm-season beds.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 85 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 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)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	32
Harden Off (days)	6

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Built for texture: this dense red head shreds into ribbons that keep their bite in slaw and don’t turn limp when dressed. The sweet-leaning cabbage flavor and heat-stable color make it especially good for vinegar-bright salads and warm preparations where you want the red to look like it means business.

Best Uses

shredded slaw that stays snappy under creamy dressings
quick-sautéed or steamed wedges where you want color without mush
braises and roasts that benefit from cabbage’s firm, toothsome texture
raw salads where the tangy bite can cut through fat

Flavor Profile

crisp, fine-grained crunch cabbage-forward sweetness with a mild peppery bite wine-red color that deepens in heat holds structure instead of collapsing

Kitchen Pairings

caraway apple cider vinegar goat cheese smoked pork brown butter mustard

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Watch for cabbage worms and aphids; both chew leaves and can leave holes or sticky residue. Use row cover after transplanting to block egg-laying, hand-pick any caterpillars you see, and spray cabbage foliage with Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) for active caterpillars. If you see yellowing and soft, foul-smelling rot near the base or blackened inner leaves, remove affected plants promptly and avoid wetting foliage to reduce spread.

How often should I water cabbage during the main growing phase?

During head formation, keep soil evenly moist—aim for about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water per week, adjusted for rainfall and heat. Water deeply so moisture reaches the roots, then let the top 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) of soil dry slightly before watering again to prevent cracking and rot. Consistent moisture is especially important from when heads start to form until harvest.

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

Harvest when the heads are firm and feel dense when you gently press them—loose heads usually need more time. Typical maturity is about 85 days, but use firmness as your main indicator and harvest before heads split from irregular watering or heavy weather. Cut the head at the base with a sharp knife, and avoid bruising the outer leaves that protect the inner head.