January King

Cabbage

80d to harvest

Bedecked in tightly layered, savoyed leaves, January King offers a cool-weather sweetness with a crisp, tender bite and a richly green, slightly buttery flavor. Its compact heads form slowly and steadily through winter, holding their quality for patient gardeners who love dependable harvests. Ideal for hearty braises, robust slaws, and warming winter sauces—this is savoy cabbage at its most elegant and garden-worthy.

Crop Dates

Growing note: In frost-free Zone 10b, grow this cool-season crop during the cooler dry season (October–February).

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	—
Climate	Frost-Free Climate
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Oct 1st
Harvest Begins	Dec 20th
Harvest Ends	Feb 28th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	80
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

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the most common pest or disease for Brassica oleracea var. capitata (cabbage) in home gardens, and how can I control it?

Watch for cabbage worms (imported cabbageworm and/or cabbage loopers) and white butterflies laying eggs on the underside of leaves. Hand-pick larvae when you see them, and spray a Bt product labeled for cabbage/Brassica while caterpillars are small; repeat every 5–7 days during active feeding. If you spot black, water-soaked stem lesions or leaf spots, remove affected leaves promptly and avoid overhead watering to reduce spread.

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

During heading and leaf expansion, keep the root zone evenly moist—about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water per week depending on rainfall and heat. Water deeply so moisture reaches the main roots, then let the top 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) of soil dry slightly before watering again. Inconsistent moisture can lead to loose heads or splitting.

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

Harvest when heads feel firm (squeeze test: they should compress slightly but not feel hollow) and the outer leaves are a mature color for the variety. Let heads reach the typical ~80-day timeframe, but don’t wait until they start to crack or separate—cut heads promptly at the base with a sharp knife. If weather is hot, check firmness more frequently to avoid head splitting.