DescriptionEarly Bird Cabbage SeedsScientific Name: Brassica oleraceaFamily: MustardType: Hardy AnnualNative Range: Pacific Basin excluding HawaiiHardiness Zones: 3-10; cole crops and their waxy leaves are particularly well-suited to colder growing regions, especially if adapted to the area; usually withstands a couple of frosts; even if outside of cabbage is frost-damaged, outer leaves can still be removed for edible cabbage;Soil Requirements: Clay-loam soil with pH close to neutral; may require calcium or boron; heavy feeder and should have plenty of compost; mulching will help to keep soil evenly moist in hot weather;Light Preference: Partial to full sunWater: Keep evenly moistDays until Germination: 5-17 daysSowing: For early planting, start early bird cabbage seeds indoors with soil temperatures around 60°; plant about 1/4″ in soil; harden off transplants at around 4-5 weeks; transplant when 3-4 true leaves have shown; in cooler climates seeds can be direct-sown after the soil warms to 55°-60°;Plant Spacing: Plant seeds 4″-6″ but thin to 14″-24″;Plant Height: 14″-18″Harvest: 60 days from transplant; if head feels firm like softball when squeezed, it is ready; can remain unharvested but watch for splitting down the center–an indication the cabbage is trying to flower;Grows Well With: Dill; celery; chamomile; sage; peppermint; rosemary; potatoes; beets; onions;Grows Poorly With: Tomatoes; pole beans; strawberries; hyssop; thyme; wormwood; southernwood;Potential Problems: Heat stress; seedlings must have enough light or they will get leggy and develop improperly after transplant; aphids; cabbage worms; loopers; root maggots; flea beetles; symphylans; white cabbage butterfly; clubroot;
