Late Flat Dutch Cabbage
Seed Count: Approx. 300 seeds
Days to Maturity: 90-100 Days
Description: Late Flat Dutch cabbage is a late maturing variety that forms huge, 12 inch heads that can average around 12-15 pounds each. However, it can even form massive heads around 38 pounds each. Their heads are flattened and oval in shape, with excellent wrapper leaves. Late Flat Dutch has great mild cabbage flavor, and probably my favorite cabbage variety to eat cooked. It's also a great variety to make sauerkraut with. It is highly recommended for the Pacific Northwest, and not as well suited for the South, since it grows best in areas with cool nights. This variety is the best cabbage for long term storage. Late Flat Dutch cabbage can be traced back to the Netherlands in the 1840s. German immigrants brought these seeds with them to America, and by 1924, they were in seed catalogs.
How To Grow
Sowing: For a summer crop, start your cabbage seeds 8-12 weeks before your last spring frost. Sow your seeds about a 1/2 inch deep, in rich soil 2 inches apart. 4 weeks before your last frost, plant your seedlings outside,12-18 inches apart in rows 3-4 feet apart. Make sure to bury the stems about half way up, in order to ensure that they have a strong base, while forming their heavy cabbage heads. For a fall crop, direct sow, or transplant your seedlings mid summer. This plant is ideal for raised bed,, but can be grown in containers and grow bags, if they are at least 12 inches wide and deep.
Growing: Cabbages need regular, even watering to avoid splitting. They also need a good composting or fertilizing routine, at least once a month, to form heads quickly. I feed mine fish emulsion at least once a month. Companion plant with dill, rosemary, sage, thyme, chamomile, potatoes, celery, beets, onions, mint, and nasturtiums. Aromatic herbs help to repel those destructive cabbage moths. Cabbages will over winter in most areas. In fact, plants in the brassica family are more tender, sweeter, and delicious after a frost. However, if you're expecting extreme temperatures, mulch may be needed. Late flat dutch tolerates heat well and resists splitting.
Harvesting: As cabbages grow, you can harvest some of its outter leaves. Cabbage heads are ready to harvest once their heads feel firm, and reach their appropriate size. Small cabbages are more tender, However, larger heads store better for winter use. To save seeds, allow the plant to flower and go to seed (they will bolt once warmer temperatures approach). After the pods dry and the seeds inside are dark brown, remove them from the plant, and dry them completely indoors. Clean off as much chaff as possible, then store the seeds in a cool, dry place. Store seeds for up to 5 years.
