Early Jersey Wakefield Cabbage (Heirloom, 60-75 Days)

Heirloom 1840. After nearly 170 years, the Early Jersey Wakefield Cabbage is still one of the best picks for a small, early cabbage. The 2 to 4 pounds, pale green, pointed heads have a delicious flavor, few outer leaves and can be planted close together. Resists yellows and splitting. According to the 1930 DM Ferry catalog, “this most excellent variety is the earliest and surest heading”.

30 seeds 

PLANTING

Brassica oleracea

Germination: 7-12 days

Germination Temperature: Optimum soil temperatures 65-85ºF.

Seed Sowing Depth: 1/4” deep

Starting Indoors: 4-6 weeks before last frost. Sow 2-3 seeds per cell/pot. Fertilize the seedlings every 7-10 days with a liquid or water soluble fertilizer, diluted to ¼ of suggested measurement. Transplant a week or two before last frost. Sow in late spring to transplant out for fall crops. 

Sowing Outdoors: In spring when soil temperature reaches at least 60ºF. Sow 2-3 seeds every 15-18” apart for small headed varieties, 24-36” for large headed varieties. Thin to the strongest seedling per space. Sow in early summer for fall crops. Germination is slower at lower soil temperatures.

How much does a packet plant: 15-20 foot single row

Harvest:  If the heads feel solid by pushing on them lightly they are ready to harvest. Harvest as soon as possible for early varieties to prevent splitting. Later maturing storage varieties will hold longer.

Tips: A heavy feeder. The Early Jersey Wakefield Cabbage needs to grow in fertile soil, rich in organic matter. Amend with compost if soil is not fertile. Provide adequate, even moisture for the optimum growth. Mulching helps retain moisture.