How to Grow Cabbage 'Stonehead'

Cabbage 'Stonehead'

Brassica oleracea var. capitata 'Stonehead'

vegetable

Stonehead is a hybrid green cabbage variety known for producing exceptionally firm, dense heads that are resistant to splitting and cracking. It's a reliable, mid-season cultivar that stores well and is popular with home gardeners and commercial growers alike. The variety combines excellent head firmness with good disease resistance.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily minimum

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Water: Consistent moisture; 1-1.5 inches per week. Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Inconsistent watering can cause splitting and cracking despite Stonehead's resistance.

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Spacing: 18-24 inches between plants; 24-30 inches between rows inches

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Days to maturity: 70-90 days from transplant

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Planting depth: 0.25 inches for seeds; transplants set at same depth they were growing

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil rich in organic matter

pH: 6.0-7.5

Amendments:

Compost or aged manure Balanced fertilizer (10-10-10 or similar) Calcium (lime or gypsum) to prevent tip burn Nitrogen-rich fertilizer for vigorous growth

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 2-9; prefers cooler seasons for best quality

2a 2b 3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a

Growth Stages

Seedling

2-3 weeks

Tiny plants with 2-4 true leaves; very delicate appearance.

Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy. Provide bright light (grow lights if indoors). Maintain temperature between 60-70°F. Thin seedlings to prevent damping off.

Transplant/Establishment

1-2 weeks

Young plants with 4-6 true leaves, ready for hardening off and field planting.

Gradually expose to outdoor conditions over 7-10 days. Plant when soil is workable and frost danger has passed. Water gently after transplanting. Mulch around plants.

Vegetative Growth

4-6 weeks

Rapid leaf expansion; plant develops sturdy outer leaves and begins forming the head structure.

Apply balanced or slightly nitrogen-heavy fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Ensure consistent watering. Monitor for pests and diseases. Remove yellowing outer leaves. Maintain consistent moisture for even head development.

Head Formation

3-4 weeks

Leaves curl inward to form increasingly dense, solid heads. The head becomes heavier and firmer each week.

Switch to lower nitrogen fertilizer to prevent excessive leaf growth. Continue consistent watering—this is critical for preventing splitting. Remove any diseased or damaged outer leaves. Side-dress with calcium source if needed.

Maturity/Harvest

Ready to harvest; can hold for extended period

Head is fully formed, very firm to the touch (like a stone, hence the name), and deep green in color.

Check head firmness by gently squeezing. Harvest when heads feel solid throughout. Even mature Stonehead can hold in the field for several weeks without splitting. Store in cool conditions (32-40°F) with high humidity.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Beets Celery Chamomile Dill Garlic Marigold Nasturtium Onions Potatoes Sage Thyme

Avoid planting near:

Broccoli Cauliflower Other brassicas (in close succession) Fennel Kohlrabi Strawberries Tomatoes

Common Pests

Handpick caterpillars; use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt); deploy row covers when plants are young; encourage parasitic wasps
Similar to cabbage worm; Bt is very effective; monitor for damage on inner leaves
Use row covers on young plants; diatomaceous earth; neem oil; companion planting with garlic and herbs
Strong water spray to dislodge; insecticidal soap; neem oil; encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs
Rotate crops; ensure good soil drainage; lime soil to pH 7.0 or higher; remove infected plants immediately; avoid planting brassicas in same location for 4-5 years
Use disease-free seeds; practice crop rotation; remove infected leaves immediately; improve air circulation; avoid working in wet foliage

Uses

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Fresh salads and coleslaw

Culinary

The tender inner leaves of Stonehead cabbage are excellent raw in salads, slaws, and coleslaws. The high sugar content and tender texture when young make it ideal for fresh consumption. [source]

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Braising and cooking

Culinary

The firm heads hold up exceptionally well to cooking, braising, sautéing, and steaming. Stonehead's solid structure makes it ideal for dishes where structural integrity matters. [source]

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Nutritional and anti-inflammatory benefits

Medicinal

Cabbage is rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, and glucosinolates, compounds being studied for potential cancer-preventive properties. The sulforaphane and other compounds have anti-inflammatory effects. [source]

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Extended storage

Household

Stonehead's exceptional firmness and head structure make it one of the best cabbage varieties for long-term cold storage, allowing harvest well into winter months. [source]

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Fermented foods (sauerkraut and kimchi)

Craft

The firm, crisp texture and high water content of Stonehead make it excellent for fermentation into sauerkraut, kimchi, and other lacto-fermented vegetables. [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 solid, typically 70-90 days after transplanting. Test firmness by gently squeezing the head. Cut the head at the base with a sharp knife, leaving the stem and roots in the ground to allow for smaller secondary heads. Stonehead is notably resistant to splitting, so timing is flexible. Best harvested in cool fall weather. Can be stored for months at 32-40°F with 90-95% humidity; wrap individually in plastic wrap or store in perforated bags.

Fun Facts

🌱 The name 'Stonehead' comes from the exceptional firmness of the head—it feels almost stone-like when fully mature, making it easy to determine harvest readiness.
🌱 Stonehead is notably resistant to splitting and cracking, a problem that plagues many other cabbage varieties, due to its hybrid vigor and tight leaf formation.
🌱 A single mature Stonehead cabbage head can weigh 3-5 pounds and store for 3-4 months in proper conditions, making it highly efficient for home gardeners and small farms.

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