Early Flat Dutch

Cabbage

55d to harvest

Crisp, sweet-scented leaves form a compact, flat-round head that feels satisfyingly dense in the hand—an inviting crunch with a clean, cabbage-forward sweetness. Early Flat Dutch delivers dependable early harvests, producing attractive blue-green foliage that stays tender and flavorful for fresh use and quick skillet-style meals, as well as classic slaws and tangy ferments.

Crop Dates

Growing note: In frost-free Zone 11a, 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	Nov 25th
Harvest Ends	Feb 28th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	55
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

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease commonly affects Brassica oleracea var. capitata (Early Flat Dutch cabbage), and how can I control it?

Cabbage often suffers from clubroot (soil-borne), which causes swollen, clubbed roots and wilting even when soil looks moist. To address it, avoid planting Brassicaceae in the same spot for several years, keep soil pH closer to neutral (lime if your test is low), and remove infected plants early. If you see holes and frass on leaves, treat promptly with row cover to exclude cabbage worms and hand-remove visible eggs/larvae when possible.

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

During head formation (roughly mid-season), keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged—about 1 inch of water per week total, split into 2–3 deeper waterings if it’s hot or windy. Check the bed by feel: the top 1–2 inches should be consistently damp, and you shouldn’t have dry patches that lead to uneven head growth.

How do I tell when Early Flat Dutch cabbage is ready to harvest?

Harvest at about 55 days when the head feels firm to the squeeze and the outer leaves look fully developed without splitting. Cut the head at the base with a sharp knife, and aim to harvest before prolonged heat or heavy rain that can cause cracking. If you notice outer leaves loosening and the head feels less dense, harvest right away.