Henderson's Charleston Wakefield

Cabbage

75d to harvest

Sweetly fragrant and richly colored, Henderson’s Charleston Wakefield forms a tall, elegant cabbage head with a crisp, finely ribbed bite and a tender, pale interior. Its elongated, pointed shape holds beautifully in the garden, delivering a steady crunch that shines in fresh salads, hearty slaws, and classic fermented or braised preparations. Grow this heritage favorite for a dependable harvest and a satisfying texture you’ll look forward to all season.

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 15th
Harvest Ends	Feb 28th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	75
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 (cabbage) and how can I treat it?

Cabbage commonly gets clubroot (Plasmodiophora brassicae), which causes wilting and swollen, distorted roots even when plants are well watered. To address it, pull and destroy infected plants, avoid replanting brassicas in that spot for several years, and if you can, improve soil pH toward neutral (clubroot is worse in acidic soils). For prevention, keep soil from staying constantly wet and use clean transplants to reduce introduction.

How often should I water cabbage during the main growing phase (around the 6–10 week head-forming period)?

During head formation in cabbage, keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged—aim for deep watering about 1–2 times per week depending on heat, with more frequent watering during dry spells. The goal is to prevent stress cycles, because irregular moisture can slow head development and increase the chance of splitting as heads swell. Check by digging 2–3 inches down: water when it feels evenly moist but not soggy.

How do I tell when Henderson’s Charleston Wakefield cabbage is ready to harvest?

Harvest when the heads feel firm and dense to the touch, typically around 75 days from transplanting. Look for mature outer leaves that are fully expanded and heads that have stopped “loosening” at the sides—if you can easily compress the head with light pressure, it likely needs more time. For best quality, harvest before prolonged hot weather and before heads start to split at the surface.