White cabbage is famous for being a healthy, delicious winter staple that’s perfect for those hearty, comforting meals we all crave when it gets chilly. But if you’re growing it yourself, the big question is: when exactly do you pick it? Well, the timing really comes down to which specific variety you’ve got growing in your garden.
The Link Between Cabbage Varieties and Harvest Time
For most white cabbage varieties, harvest season kicks off in the fall, typically running from September through November. If you stash these heads in a cool cellar, you’ve got yourself a fantastic supply of veggies all winter long. While we might see fresh produce as a bit of a luxury today, back in the day, cabbage was a total lifesaver. It was one of the few things people could rely on to get through the winter, which is why it used to be known as “poor man’s food.” Thankfully, we’ve moved past that—now we just appreciate it for the nutritional powerhouse it is!
If you’re looking for an earlier treat, “early” varieties can be ready as soon as the beginning of June, giving you a nice summer harvest. If you started your seeds indoors or in a greenhouse, you can usually expect to head out to the garden for a July harvest. Just a quick pro-tip: if you’re planning to store your cabbage for the long haul, make sure to harvest the entire head all at once.
