Charleston Wakefield

Cabbage

78d to harvest

Sweetly crisp and richly aromatic, Charleston Wakefield forms tight, elongated heads with a cool, blue-green sheen that feels almost velvety to the eye. The flavor is mild and cabbage-forward with a clean snap, making it a standout for fresh slaws and hearty braises, while its dense leaves also shine in tangy ferments and pickles. Grow this classic 78-day favorite for dependable structure, excellent garden presence, and a harvest that stays satisfying from first bite to the last jar.

Crop Dates

Growing note: In frost-free Zone 12a, 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 18th
Harvest Ends	Feb 28th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	78
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 most commonly affects Brassica oleracea var. capitata (Charleston Wakefield) and what should I do?

A very common problem on headed cabbage is cabbage worms (Imported cabbageworm and/or cabbage looper) that chew holes in leaves and can quickly ruin head quality. Inspect undersides weekly and hand-pick early; for control, use Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) sprays and repeat as label directions require, especially after egg-laying activity. If you see pale, irregular spots and persistent wilting, check for clubroot (soil-borne); remove affected plants and avoid planting Brassicaceae in that bed for several years, and adjust soil pH toward neutral (clubroot is worse in acidic soils).

How often should I water Charleston Wakefield during its main head-forming growth?

During the main growing period (roughly once it begins forming a head), keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged—aim for about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water per week total from rain and irrigation. Water deeply to reach the root zone, then let the top 1 inch (2.5 cm) of soil dry slightly before watering again to reduce disease pressure like head rots. Avoid letting plants swing from dry to very wet, which can stress plants and contribute to uneven head development.

How can I tell when Charleston Wakefield is ready to harvest?

Harvest when heads feel firm and solid when gently squeezed, and the outer leaves look fresh and tightly wrapped—this is typically around 78 days from transplanting (follow your sowing/transplant timing). Use a sharp knife to cut the head at the base, keeping the outer wrapper leaves intact to protect the head. If it’s nearing full firmness but heads are starting to loosen, harvest promptly to prevent quality loss.