When most of us think of red cabbage, we picture those vibrant, deep-purple heads that make the perfect side dish for a cozy winter roast. There’s nothing quite like a bowl of braised red cabbage to round out a hearty meal! But here’s a little pro tip: not all red cabbage is created equal. There are actually several different varieties out there, each with its own unique personality. Let’s dive into which one might be the best fit for your garden.
Finding the Right Variety for Your Garden
There are tons of red cabbage varieties to choose from, and they usually differ in appearance, harvest time, and overall size. Size is a pretty big deal if you’re working with a smaller raised bed or limited garden space. If you’re itching to get your first harvest on the table by June, you’ll want to look into “early” varieties.
These early birds are typically smaller, making them perfect for tight spaces. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a big fall harvest, “late” varieties are the way to go. And hey, if you’re a true cabbage fan, why not plant a mix? By combining different varieties, you can keep the harvest going from early summer all the way through November.
A Quick Guide to Popular Red Cabbage Varieties
To help you plan your garden, I’ve put together a quick rundown of some popular varieties. You’ll notice they vary based on when you get them in the ground and how long they take to mature.
- ‘Amarant’: Sow outdoors March to June / Harvest June to August (Matures in about 3 months)
- ‘Granat’: Sow outdoors March to June / Harvest August to October (Matures in 3 to 4 months)
- ‘Klimaro F1’: Sow outdoors April to May / Harvest September to November (Matures in about 4 months)
- ‘Primero F1’: Sow outdoors in March / Harvest June to July (Matures in 2.5 to 3 months)
- ‘Rodynda’: Sow outdoors in May / Harvest August to September (Matures in 3 to 4 months)
- ‘Lodero F1’: Sow outdoors in May / Harvest in October (Matures in 4 to 5 months)
- ‘Huzaro F1’: Sow outdoors in May / Harvest October to November (Matures in about 4.5 months)
- ‘Bandolero F1’: Sow outdoors April to May / Harvest September to October (Matures in about 4 months)
- ‘Pesaro F1’: Sow outdoors May to June / Harvest October to November (Matures in about 4 months)