Cabbage (Early Jersey Wakefield)

📖 About This Plant

Cabbage (Early Jersey Wakefield) is one of the oldest documented American vegetable varieties — a pointed-head cabbage with direct lineage to varieties grown in the 1840s, making it both a historical artifact and an excellent kitchen garden plant. The distinctive conical head distinguishes it immediately from round-headed commercial cabbages: the pointed shape concentrates the inner leaves into a sweet, tender heart with significantly less of the coarse outer leaf that characterizes flat-headed types. Early Jersey Wakefield is the earliest-maturing heading cabbage available, developing tight heads in just 60–65 days from transplant — 2–3 weeks ahead of most other varieties — making it indispensable for gardeners who want to beat summer heat or fill a spring gap. The flavor is genuinely sweet, nutty, and mild, especially when harvested young and eaten raw in slaws or lightly braised.

📊 Quick Facts

📅 When to Plant in Your Area

🌱 Care Tips

Start Early Jersey Wakefield indoors 6–8 weeks before your last frost date, transplanting outdoors 2–4 weeks before last frost — cabbage tolerates hard frosts (down to 20°F/-7°C for hardened transplants) and grows best in cool conditions. Space transplants 12–15 inches apart; the smaller, pointed head means these plants can be grown more densely than large round-headed types. Firm the soil well around each transplant to prevent wind rock, which stresses roots and can split developing heads. Feed with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer at transplanting and again 3 weeks later; high nitrogen drives the rapid head formation that makes Early Jersey Wakefield valuable. The primary pest is the imported cabbageworm (white butterfly larvae) — apply Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) spray or use fine mesh row cover for complete protection. Check plants every 2–3 days; small caterpillars hide near the heart and are easily missed. Water consistently and evenly; uneven watering causes heads to split as they mature. Harvest when heads are firm throughout — squeeze gently, and a ripe head should feel dense and solid. After cutting the head, leave the outer leaves and stem in place; they often produce 2–4 small secondary heads over the following weeks, extending the harvest.

🤝 Companion Plants

These plants grow well alongside Cabbage:

🌿 Related Vegetable

More vegetable that grow in similar conditions:

❓ Frequently Asked Questions