Danish Ballhead
90d to harvest
Crisp, cool-sweet leaves form a dense, ballhead crown that feels satisfyingly weighty in the garden—each fold tight as lace, with a fresh green glow and a clean, succulent bite. Danish Ballhead matures in about 90 days to a well-centered head with excellent firmness, ideal for long-lasting storage and reliable performance when you want dependable cabbage texture. Grow it for hearty salads, braises, and tangy fermented favorites—its balanced flavor shines whether served fresh or transformed into comforting classics.
Crop Dates
Growing note: In frost-free Zone 13a, 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 30th |
| Harvest Ends | Feb 28th |
Crop Details
| Trait | Value |
|---|---|
| Days to Maturity | 90 |
| 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) | 35 |
| Harden Off (days) | 6 |
Recommended Companions
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I water Danish Ballhead cabbage during the main head-forming stage?
During the main growing phase as heads begin to form (roughly after you see firming toward the center), keep soil consistently evenly moist—about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water per week, split into 2–3 waterings if it’s hot or windy. Let the top few centimeters dry slightly between waterings, but don’t allow the root zone to dry out for extended periods; stress can lead to loose heads and splitting later. Mulch helps keep moisture steady, but avoid waterlogged soil that stays soggy.
How can I tell when Danish Ballhead cabbage is ready to harvest?
Harvest at about 90 days when the heads are firm and reach their full size, with leaves tightly packed rather than springy. Check by gently pressing the outer head—if it feels hard and dense across the whole top, it’s ready; if it still feels soft or opens easily, wait. If you see heads beginning to split, harvest immediately to prevent further cracking and leaf damage.