Charleston Wakefield

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).

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.