Winter King

Family: Brassicaceae Vegetable

Feel the slow, steady sweetness of Winter King as its savoyed head tightens into a cool-weather jewel—deeply crinkled leaves that hold their color and a gentle, mellow flavor that shines after the first chill.

Expect a tender, springy texture with richly veined folds, ideal for hearty winter fare and robust braises. Grow it for dependable, long-keeping performance and a stately head that looks as impressive as it tastes.

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

Winter King’s savoy folds trap heat and moisture, so it braises down into tender, springy shreds instead of collapsing into mush. That first-chill sweetness plays beautifully with tangy vinegar and smoky pork, and it makes kraut that tastes gentler and rounder rather than sharp.

Best Uses

low-and-slow braise until the folds go silky
shred for warm slaws that hold dressing without going limp
ferment for tangy kraut with a slower, sweeter cabbage character
sturdy leaves for dumpling wraps and cabbage rolls

Flavor Profile

mellow, sweet cabbage backbone savoy crinkle with tender, springy bite earthy brassica savor that turns gentler after cold juicy, slightly mineral leafiness

Kitchen Pairings

caraway mustard butter bacon or smoked pork apple cider vinegar juniper-spiked broth

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most commonly affects Brassica oleracea var. capitata (Winter King cabbage), and how can I control it?

Cabbage worms (including cabbage loopers and imported cabbageworms) are among the most common pests on Brassica oleracea var. capitata. Hand-pick larvae early and spray as needed with Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) when caterpillars are small; repeat according to label instructions. For disease, watch for black rot and other brassica rots by removing infected leaves immediately and avoiding overhead watering so foliage stays dry.

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

During head formation, keep the soil evenly moist—aim for about 1–1.5 inches of water per week, adjusting for heat and rainfall. Water deeply so moisture reaches 6–8 inches down, and avoid letting the soil swing from dry to waterlogged because cabbages can develop poor head texture and split. Mulch helps stabilize moisture around the plants.

How do I tell when Winter King cabbage is ready to harvest?

Harvest when heads are firm and compact with leaves that feel tight rather than loose, typically around 85 days from planting. Use the head size and firmness—if you press the outside lightly and it feels springy or loose, it needs more time. For best quality, cut in the cool part of the day and leave a short stem with outer leaves to protect the head.