Early Jersey Wakefield
60d to harvest
Sweetly crisp and cool to the senses, Early Jersey Wakefield forms compact, medium-sized heads with a tender, pale-green interior and a gently sweet, cabbage-forward flavor. The leaves are finely textured and tightly layered, creating a satisfying crunch that holds beautifully from garden to table. Ideal for early-season harvests, it shines in fresh salads, slaws, and quick pickling, and it also roasts up with a mellow, comforting sweetness.
Crop Dates
Growing note: In frost-free Zone 12b, 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 30th |
| Harvest Ends | Feb 28th |
Crop Details
| Trait | Value |
|---|---|
| Days to Maturity | 60 |
| Sun Requirements | Full Sun |
| Growth Habit | Rosette |
| Support Needed | None |
| Planting Depth | Normal |
| Germination Temp (°F) | 75 |
| Min Soil Temp (°F) | 45 |
| Min Night Temp (°F) | 35 |
| Harden Off (days) | 6 |
Recommended Companions
Frequently Asked Questions
What pest or disease commonly affects Brassica oleracea var. capitata (Early Jersey Wakefield cabbage), and how do I control it?
Cabbage worms (imported cabbageworm/diamondback moth larvae) are a frequent problem, leaving ragged holes in leaves. Cover seedlings with floating row cover as soon as you transplant and keep it on until harvest; if you see active caterpillars, spray Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) and reapply as directed, especially after warm, dry stretches. Watch for clubroot too (stunted plants with swollen roots); remove affected plants and avoid planting brassicas in the same bed for several years, and keep soil pH on the higher side (around 7) for this crop.
How often should I water Early Jersey Wakefield cabbage during peak growth, and what soil moisture target should I maintain?
During the main head-forming phase (roughly weeks 4–8 after transplant), keep the soil evenly moist so the head develops without cracking or thin leaves. Water deeply about 1–2 times per week to wet the root zone, then adjust so the top 1 inch of soil doesn’t dry out completely between waterings. In hot spells, you may need more frequent watering—always water at the base and avoid splashing leaves to reduce disease pressure.