How to Grow Black Ball
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Black Ball
Brassica oleracea var. capitata f. rubra
vegetableBlack Ball is a dark purple-red cabbage variety prized for its deep coloring, compact head formation, and excellent storage qualities. This heirloom cultivar produces dense, round heads with a distinctive nearly black-purple exterior and white-veined interior. It's valued both for culinary use and ornamental appeal in the garden.
When should you plant Black Ball in your zone?
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Example Black Ball timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Black Ball
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Black Ball
Around Jul 1≈ 75 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Black Ball dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-9; prefers cooler conditions in zones 2-7
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Get my Black Ball timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
3-4 weeksSmall plants with 2-4 true leaves developing; delicate and tender.
Keep soil consistently moist. Provide bright light to prevent leggy growth. Thin seedlings to prevent crowding.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksPlant develops 6-10 leaves; compact rosette formation begins. Stem thickens and deepens in color.
Begin regular fertilizing with balanced or nitrogen-rich fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Watch for pests. Maintain consistent watering.
Head Formation
4-6 weeksOuter leaves fold inward; dense head begins to form and compact. Purple coloring intensifies.
Reduce nitrogen slightly to encourage head density. Remove yellowing outer leaves. Support with mulch if needed. Continue consistent watering.
Head Development & Maturity
2-3 weeksHead firms up and reaches full size; dark purple coloring becomes very pronounced. Interior remains white and tender.
Check head firmness by gentle pressure. Stop heavy fertilizing. Maintain steady moisture to prevent splitting. Monitor for late-season pests.
Harvest
Harvest window 1-2 weeksHead is fully formed, firm, and compact with deep purple-black exterior coloring.
Harvest when head feels firm to pressure. Can be stored long-term in cool conditions for months.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Row covers, Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), hand-picking, neem oil, regular monitoring
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Bt spray, parasitic wasps, hand-picking caterpillars, neem oil
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Row covers early season, diatomaceous earth, neem oil, reflective mulches
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Strong water spray, insecticidal soap, neem oil, beneficial insects like ladybugs
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Row covers, collars around stems, crop rotation, parasitic wasps
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and
Beer traps, copper barriers, hand-picking at dusk, diatomaceous earth, slug pellets
Uses
Raw & Cooked Dishes
CulinaryBlack Ball cabbage is excellent sliced raw in slaws and salads, offering a mild cabbage flavor with tender texture. When cooked, it transforms to a deep red-purple and works beautifully in stir-fries, steamed dishes, and braised preparations. [source]
Fermentation & Pickling
CulinaryThe firm heads are ideal for making sauerkraut, kimchi, and other fermented vegetables. Red cabbage ferments beautifully and provides probiotics while maintaining its vibrant color. [source]
Antioxidant & Anti-inflammatory Properties
MedicinalBlack Ball cabbage is rich in anthocyanins, polyphenols, and vitamin C, compounds known for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. Traditional and modern herbalism value purple cabbage for supporting digestive and immune health. [source]
Natural Dye & pH Indicator
HouseholdThe purple-red pigments can be used to create natural dyes for textiles and crafts. The juice also serves as a pH indicator, turning pink in acidic solutions and blue in alkaline solutions. [source]
Pollinator & Beneficial Insect Support
WildlifeIf allowed to bolt, Black Ball cabbage produces yellow flowers attractive to bees and other pollinators. The plant provides habitat and food for beneficial insects when grown organically without pesticides. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest when head is firm and compact, typically 75-105 days after transplanting. Cut the head at the base with a sharp knife, leaving the root in place for possible secondary shoots. Heads can be stored in a cool cellar or refrigerator (near 32°F) for 2-4 months. For long-term storage, leave outer leaves intact and store in humid conditions away from ethylene-producing fruits.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Black Ball is an heirloom variety with a rich history in European gardening, particularly valued in Germany and Eastern Europe for its storage longevity and distinctive dark coloring.
- 🌱 The deep purple color comes from anthocyanins, the same compounds that make blueberries blue and red wine red—these pigments intensify in cooler growing conditions.
- 🌱 Purple cabbage contains significantly more antioxidants than green cabbage varieties, making it one of the most nutrient-dense cabbage options available.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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