White cabbage: from open leaves to a firm, round head

Choose by flavour, shape and use

Brunswick: Brunswick is a late white cabbage with broad, flat, large heads on a short stem. The outside is described as green. Slice for sauerkraut or use parts cooked. A large head needs a plan for several portions.

The source gives no separate Brunswick aroma. Sauerkraut use and large head shape are concrete selection arguments.

A cabbage that suits your cooking

White cabbage suits a garden also growing for later use. A storage variety is a deliberate choice; an early variety gives fresh heads sooner. A few well-cared-for plants make development visible without a large field.

Sow for the intended harvest season

The same cabbage species can include early and late cultivars. Follow your cultivar's recommended sowing window and work in small batches. A late sowing of a long-season winter cultivar will not automatically catch up.

Sturdy plants in individual modules

Sow in clean seed compost and place emerged seedlings in good light. Keep the compost moist. An individual module gives each plant its own rootball. Move the plants before growth stalls for long in a cell that is too small.

Bring the soil into contact with the rootball

Acclimatise plants raised under cover to outdoor conditions. Plant in a sunny bed with good drainage and firm the soil around the rootball. Water to bring roots and soil into contact. Leave enough space for the mature leaves.

Support growth without waterlogging

Cabbages need fertile soil that retains moisture. Mature compost helps on poor or badly structured soil. Base additional feeding on the soil and product advice. Do not work wet clay into a compact, smooth planting hole where rainwater collects.

Even growth through to heart formation

Check the root zone more often during heart formation. Prolonged drought restricts development, while a sudden change to plentiful water may split vulnerable hearts. Water directly where needed during dry weather and retain an airy soil around the plant.

Avoid trapping the first caterpillars inside

Put insect mesh in place early and seal the edges, but also inspect beneath it. Mesh does not exclude a caterpillar already on a plant. Remove affected leaves and identify the pest before choosing a measure.

Consider all brassicas in your plan

Broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and turnips also belong to the brassicas. Do not grow them in the same position every year. With clubroot, ordinary rotation is insufficient: have the cause assessed and use healthy starting material and a suitable growing position.

Feel the heart and look at the leaves

A closed, firm heart is a better signal than a fixed calendar day. Cut with a clean knife. Check splits and damage and use vulnerable heads first before setting intact storage heads aside.

Adapt storage to the cultivar

Store only intact heads of a suitable variety cool and inspect regularly. For sauerkraut or other fermentation, use a checked recipe and correct method. Leaving cabbage at room temperature is not a storage method.