300 Seeds

Early Flat Dutch Cabbage is known for its excellent, savory taste and is a popular choice for home sauerkraut chefs and is rich in vitamin C. They are a large variety, with heads commonly reaching up to 8 inches and weighing close to 10 pounds. Early Flat Dutch has a flattened oval shape, for which it is named, and grows earlier in the season than their Late Flat Dutch counterpart. They have a large central head and few external leaves. It is a staple food for many gardeners and stores well if not exposed to frost.

Plant Height and Habit 

• Large spreading: this plant needs ample room to grow due to its wide leaf structure
• Short stem: this plant has a shallow root system and short stem

Harvest Information

• Germination takes approximately 7-14 days
• Maturity is reached at about 100 days
• This plant is one of the best for long-term storage and can keep for an average of two weeks if stored in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. 

Like most varieties of cabbage, Early Flat Dutch should be harvested when the heads are firm and solid, and immediately after cracking or splitting. 

Common Pests and Diseases

While generally a hardy variety, Early Flat Dutch Cabbage can sometimes be afflicted by aphids and cabbage root maggots. Because of their shallow root system, they can also experience root rot that can be prevented with proper drainage techniques.

Sowing The Seed

Cabbage is a cool seasoned crop, which is well suited for the early Spring and early to late Autumn season. The seeds can be started indoors, or directly outdoors. If started indoors, sow in peat pots, 6 to 8 weeks prior to the last frost, at a depth of 1/4” under topsoil. Transplant into the garden, or direct sow outdoors, when the weather is slightly cool to warm. Check below for spacing and growth habits.

Growing Conditions

Cabbage plants, as explained above, will thrive in cooler temperatures. It is recommended to place them in an area of full sunlight, with temperatures averaging around 60F to 65F. The plants will need a soil that is rich in organic matter, but also well drained. If your sowing area is filled with hard, compact soil, we recommend adding in a light compost mix to improve drainage. Water the plants daily to ensure that the soil is kept moist until germination has occurred.

Germination & Growth

Cabbage seeds will typically take anywhere between 7 to 14 days to sprout open. The plants themselves will take up little garden space, and can be grown in rows. Each plant can be spaced about 18 to 24 inches apart from one another, in rows that are spaced about 24 to 30 inches apart. Fertilize when new leaves form, and when the heads begin to form. Harvest your Cabbage heads in roughly 100 days.