Timely harvesting of cabbage guarantees crisp heads and sweet flavor; harvest too late, and your heads will burst open or become woody; harvest too early, and you lose both size and flavor. But if you know the signs to look for, you will not make a mistake, and every cabbage you grow will be a success.
Press its head gently; if the market varieties are full-grown, it will feel as solid as a baseball; the Savoy types are slightly springy, however, don't press hard or you will ruin the centre or heart. This simple test lets you know in hours, rather than days, how long it will take to be picked.
Head Firmness Test
- Apply light pressure with your palm. Ready heads resist denting
- Green types should feel rock hard
- Loose varieties like Napa show firm but flexible resistance
Size Verification
- Measure diameter with tape: green 6-8 inches (15-20 cm)
- Savoy types need 10-12 inches (25-30 cm)
- Compare to variety specifications on seed packets
Leaf Condition
- Outer leaves must be vibrant colored without yellow spots
- Leaves should snap crisply when bent
- Avoid heads with wilted or translucent outer layers
Affecting their harvest time. Pick before the temperature reaches 80°F (27°C) or they will begin to split. A light frost improves the flavor, but a hard freeze leaves the texture to be desired. Count the days from planting; the green type requires 60 to 90 days, while the red type may take up to 180 days.
Clean cuts should be made with sharp pruners at the base of the plant, not the stem. The most moisture is present in the heads when they are harvested early in the morning. Pick heads whole if you'll be using them right away, or twist off outer leaves anytime after week six of growth. Leaving the perfect heads on the stalks, they should last for months in a cool, humid place.
Cabbage takes patience to grow properly. A significant factor in this cabbage's success is that it was harvested at the optimal time. Using these techniques will allow you to have a perfect cabbage every time. When you harvest your cabbage, share it with your friends and enjoy it fresh out of the garden!
Read the full article: 5 Key Signs: When to Harvest Cabbage
