Ruby Ball

Family: Brassicaceae Brassica

Ruby Ball brings a striking, jewel-toned presence to the garden—compact heads with rich, ruby-tinged outer leaves that deepen as they mature.

Inside, the crisp, fine-textured leaves stay tender and sweet, offering a satisfying bite whether you savor them fresh or let them shine in hearty preparations like braises and roasted wedges. A dependable 70-day performer for home gardeners who want both beauty and reliable harvest in every season.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 70 DaysHabit: Rosette

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

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Mar 21st
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 18th
Harvest Begins	Jun 27th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	70
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Rosette
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	40
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	35
Harden Off (days)	6

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Ruby Ball’s compact head gives you tight, crisp leaves that shred cleanly and keep their bite—ideal for slaw and fast cooking without collapsing. The mild peppery edge in the outer ruby leaves makes it especially good roasted or braised with butter and mustard.

Best Uses

shredded slaw that stays snappy under vinaigrette
braises and quick sautés where the leaves soften but keep structure
roasted cabbage wedges for caramelized edges
fermentation-friendly crunch for quick pickles

Flavor Profile

crisp, fine-textured crunch sweet, cabbage-like minerality mild bite with a ruby-tinted peppery edge holds shape without turning mushy

Kitchen Pairings

mustard bacon garlic butter apple caraway

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease is most likely to hit Brassica oleracea var. capitata (Ruby Ball cabbage), and how do I control it?

Watch for cabbage worms/loopers (green caterpillars) that chew holes in the leaves. Hand-pick early infestations and spray as needed with a Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) product labeled for caterpillars, targeting the undersides of leaves. Also check for clubroot symptoms (swollen roots and stunted growth) and avoid planting cabbage in the same spot in successive years; if you’ve had clubroot, use fresh soil/raised beds and keep soil from staying waterlogged.

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

During head formation (roughly mid-to-late season), keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy—aim for about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week, adjusted for rainfall and heat. Water deeply to about the root zone and avoid letting the surface dry out completely, because irregular moisture can contribute to poor head development. If the top few inches dry quickly, increase frequency slightly (smaller, more regular deep watering).

How can I tell when Ruby Ball cabbage is ready to harvest?

Harvest when the heads feel firm and dense when you gently squeeze them—Ruby Ball typically takes around 70 days from transplanting/sowing to maturity. The outer leaves may look slightly tightened around the head, but avoid waiting until the head starts to crack or split. Cut at the base with a sharp knife, leaving a few outer leaves to protect the head for storage.