How to Grow Cabaret Purple
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Cabaret Purple
Brassica oleracea var. capitata
vegetableCabaret Purple is a hybrid red cabbage variety known for its deep purple-red coloring and compact, dense head formation. It combines excellent flavor with reliable heading and good disease resistance, making it a favorite for both home and commercial growers. The striking color comes from anthocyanin pigments that intensify when properly grown.
When should you plant Cabaret Purple in your zone?
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Example Cabaret Purple timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Cabaret Purple
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 Cabaret Purple
Around Jul 1≈ 75 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Cabaret Purple dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 3-8; grows best in cool-season climates with moderate temperatures during head development
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Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny cotyledons emerge, followed by first true leaves. Plant is delicate and vulnerable to damping off.
Start indoors 4-6 weeks before transplant date. Maintain 65-70°F soil temperature. Provide bright light and keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Thin seedlings to 2-3 inches apart.
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksPlant develops 6-10 large leaves with prominent veining. Stem thickens and root system expands. Plant should be hardened off before transplanting.
Harden off transplants over 7-10 days before planting. Transplant when 4-6 true leaves are present and 3-4 inches tall. Water consistently and side-dress with balanced fertilizer 3-4 weeks after transplanting. Monitor for cabbage worms and aphids.
Head Formation (Early)
3-4 weeksCentral leaves begin to curl inward, forming a loose head structure. Plant continues to produce new outer leaves while internal leaves begin compacting.
Ensure consistent watering—irregular moisture causes splitting and loose heads. Apply nitrogen-rich fertilizer if growth slows. Install row covers or use organic insecticides to prevent pest damage during this critical phase. Avoid overhead watering.
Head Development (Late)
3-4 weeksHead becomes progressively denser and more compact, with deep purple-red color intensifying. Outer leaves continue to expand, protecting the developing head.
Continue consistent watering. Reduce nitrogen fertilizer to promote head density rather than excessive leaf growth. Remove any yellow or diseased outer leaves. The head is ready to harvest when it feels firm to gentle pressure and reaches 4-6 inches in diameter.
Harvest-Ready
Ready at 75-95 days after transplantHead is fully compact and dense, with vibrant deep purple-red color throughout. The head should feel very firm when squeezed gently and reach mature size (3-5 lbs).
Harvest when heads are firm but before temperatures exceed 75°F for extended periods. Cut heads at the base with a sharp knife, leaving 2-3 outer leaves for protection. Store in cool, humid conditions (32-40°F, 95% humidity) for extended shelf life up to 4-5 months.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Use row covers when young; apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) or neem oil every 7-10 days; hand-pick caterpillars; encourage parasitic wasps
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Apply Bt spray; use pheromone traps to monitor; remove affected leaves; rotate crops annually
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Use row covers on seedlings; apply diatomaceous earth; spray with spinosad if infestation is heavy
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Spray with strong water jet; apply insecticidal soap; use neem oil; introduce ladybugs or lacewings
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Ensure well-draining soil and avoid waterlogging; rotate crops with non-brassicas for 4+ years; lime acidic soils; remove infected plants immediately
Uses
Raw and Cooked Dishes
CulinaryCabaret Purple is excellent in slaws, salads, and fermented preparations. When cooked, it retains its vibrant purple color better than many varieties and has a slightly sweeter, milder flavor than green cabbage. The dense head makes it ideal for slicing and long-term storage in sauerkraut or kimchi. [source]
Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Benefits
MedicinalRed cabbage, including Cabaret Purple, is rich in anthocyanins and other polyphenols known for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds may support cardiovascular health, immune function, and gut health when consumed regularly. [source]
Natural pH Indicator
HouseholdThe purple pigments in red cabbage juice change color in acidic and basic solutions, making it a classic natural pH indicator for science experiments and household testing. [source]
Fermented Foods
CulinaryCabaret Purple's firm, dense head makes it perfect for sauerkraut and kimchi production. The natural sugars ferment well, developing complex flavors while retaining the striking purple color in finished products. [source]
Beneficial Insect Support
WildlifeWhen allowed to flower (typically in second year), Cabaret Purple's blooms provide pollen and nectar for bees and other pollinators. The plant also supports parasitic wasps and other natural predators of cabbage pests. [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 heads are firm and fully colored, typically 75-95 days after transplanting. Cut the main head at the base with a sharp knife, leaving the stem and outer leaves. Side shoots may develop for secondary harvests. Harvest in morning when heads are crisp from cool nighttime temperatures. For storage, wrap heads in newspaper and keep at 32-40°F with 95% humidity; they store 4-5 months.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The deep purple-red color in Cabaret Purple comes from anthocyanins, the same pigments responsible for the color in blueberries and acai berries. These pigments are more vibrant when the plant experiences cool temperatures during head development.
- 🌱 Red cabbage has been cultivated for thousands of years, with evidence of red/purple varieties appearing in European gardens by the Middle Ages. 'Cabaret' is a modern hybrid developed in the 1990s for improved disease resistance and uniform head size.
- 🌱 A single Cabaret Purple head can weigh 3-5 lbs and is about 90% water by weight, making it extremely nutrient-dense yet low in calories—around 31 calories per 100g of raw cabbage.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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