If you’re planning to add white cabbage to your garden, you’ve probably wondered about its cold tolerance. We all know that kale actually tastes better after a good frost, but does the same rule apply to white cabbage? And can it even survive a harsh winter? Let’s break it down.
Is White Cabbage Winter-Hardy?
Whether or not your white cabbage can handle the cold really depends on the specific variety you’re growing. Late-season and autumn varieties are naturally more winter-hardy because they’re often planted in the fall to be ready for a spring harvest. However, even these tough guys have their limits when the thermometer really drops.
If you’re expecting a long stretch of deep freeze, it’s a good idea to protect your cabbage with some brushwood or garden fleece. On the flip side, early varieties are not winter-hardy at all. You’ll want to get those harvested before the first frost hits. Pro tip: make sure to harvest *before* the freeze, not during it—cabbage doesn’t handle being handled while frozen very well!
White Cabbage Doesn’t Need the Cold
Just because kale loves a frost doesn’t mean every cabbage does. Kale can be quite bitter until the cold kicks in; the plant reacts to low temperatures by slowing down starch production and ramping up glucose (sugar) production. This makes it milder and sweeter.
White cabbage, however, is already naturally mild and doesn’t have those heavy bitter notes. It doesn’t need “frost therapy” to taste good. In fact, you should be careful to check if your specific variety can even tolerate a chill. When starting your garden in the spring, wait until the threat of frost has passed before transplanting—usually around mid-May (after the “Ice Saints”) is a safe bet.
Can You Freeze White Cabbage?
Since we’re talking about cabbage and ice, you might be wondering if you can store your harvest in the freezer. The answer is a resounding yes! White cabbage keeps beautifully in the freezer for several months. Just shred it into strips, give it a thorough wash, and double-check for any bruised or bad spots.
To save some precious freezer space, I recommend blanching the cabbage first. This makes it wilt down so it fits much easier into freezer bags or containers—definitely a lifesaver if you’re processing several heads at once. If you’re looking for other ways to keep your harvest fresh, check out this article on storing white cabbage. Overall, it’s a fantastic vegetable for long-term storage!
