Ruby Ball

Cabbage

70d to harvest

Ruby Ball brings a striking, jewel-toned presence to the garden—compact heads with rich, ruby-tinged outer leaves that deepen as they mature. Inside, the crisp, fine-textured leaves stay tender and sweet, offering a satisfying bite whether you savor them fresh or let them shine in hearty preparations like braises and roasted wedges. A dependable 70-day performer for home gardeners who want both beauty and reliable harvest in every season.

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Feb 25th
Last Frost	Apr 1st
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Mar 25th
Harvest Begins	Jun 3rd
Harvest Ends	Nov 5th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	70
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Rosette
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	40
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	35
Harden Off (days)	6

Recommended Companions

Short 'n Sweet Carrot

Elephant Dill

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease is most likely to hit Brassica oleracea var. capitata (Ruby Ball cabbage), and how do I control it?

Watch for cabbage worms/loopers (green caterpillars) that chew holes in the leaves. Hand-pick early infestations and spray as needed with a Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) product labeled for caterpillars, targeting the undersides of leaves. Also check for clubroot symptoms (swollen roots and stunted growth) and avoid planting cabbage in the same spot in successive years; if you’ve had clubroot, use fresh soil/raised beds and keep soil from staying waterlogged.

How can I tell when Ruby Ball cabbage is ready to harvest?

Harvest when the heads feel firm and dense when you gently squeeze them—Ruby Ball typically takes around 70 days from transplanting/sowing to maturity. The outer leaves may look slightly tightened around the head, but avoid waiting until the head starts to crack or split. Cut at the base with a sharp knife, leaving a few outer leaves to protect the head for storage.