Giant Flat Dutch

Cabbage

85d to harvest

Sweetly savory and richly aromatic, Giant Flat Dutch forms broad, flat heads with a dense, crisp bite and a beautifully tight leaf wrap. The surface is finely textured and deeply veined, holding its shape through cool weather for dependable, satisfying harvests. Ideal for hearty cabbage dishes—shredding for slaws, simmering for braises, and fermenting for tangy kraut—this is a classic Flat Dutch performer with extra presence in the garden.

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	Dec 25th
Harvest Ends	Feb 28th

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)	45
Min Night Temp (°F)	32
Harden Off (days)	6

Frequently Asked Questions

What pests or diseases commonly affect Brassica oleracea var. capitata (cabbage/Flat Dutch), and how can I prevent or treat them?

Watch for cabbage worms (imported cabbage moth/cabbage loopers) and aphids, which can skeletonize leaves and leave sticky honeydew. Hand-pick caterpillars early and spray with an approved Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) when small larvae are present; for aphids, use a strong water spray and apply insecticidal soap if numbers persist. Also monitor for clubroot (swollen, deformed roots) and prevent it by avoiding replanting brassicas in the same spot and keeping soil slightly limed to a target pH of about 6.5–7 (if your soil test supports it).

How often should I water Brassica oleracea var. capitata during the main head-forming phase?

During the 6–8 weeks when heads are forming (roughly mid-season through about day 70), keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply about 1–2 times per week to wet the root zone; increase to more frequent watering in heat or windy weather, and use mulch to reduce moisture swings that can cause loose heads. If the top 1 inch of soil dries out, it’s time to water again—steady moisture helps firm, tight heads by harvest (around day 85).

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

Harvest when heads reach firm tightness—when you gently squeeze, they should feel solid and not springy. Typical harvest timing is about 85 days from sowing/transplanting to maturity, but use firmness as the final cue rather than the calendar alone. If outer leaves begin to yellow heavily or heads split from irregular moisture, harvest promptly to avoid quality loss.