How to Grow Copenhagen Market Cabbage
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Copenhagen Market Cabbage
Brassica oleracea var. capitata
vegetableCopenhagen Market is a classic early-maturing cabbage variety with compact, round heads that mature in 60-75 days. This heirloom cultivar produces dense, tender heads weighing 3-4 pounds and is prized for its excellent flavor and reliable production. It's an ideal choice for home gardeners seeking a quick-maturing, high-quality green cabbage.
When should you plant Copenhagen Market Cabbage in your zone?
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Example Copenhagen Market Cabbage timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Copenhagen Market Cabbage
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 Copenhagen Market Cabbage
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Copenhagen Market Cabbage dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-9; prefers cooler seasons in zones 7-9
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Get my Copenhagen Market Cabbage timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny green leaves emerge with rounded cotyledons. First true leaves are wrinkled and blue-green.
Provide bright light (14-16 hours daily under grow lights) and maintain 65-70°F. Keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Thin seedlings to 2 inches apart.
Transplant/Vegetative
3-4 weeks from seedingRosette of 6-10 wavy, blue-green leaves develops. Transplants are ready when 4-6 true leaves appear.
Harden off seedlings over 7-10 days before outdoor planting. Plant after last frost when soil is workable. Mulch around transplants to retain moisture and regulate temperature.
Head Formation
4-5 weeksOuter wrapper leaves expand and center leaves begin to curl inward, forming a compact, dense head.
Ensure consistent watering and regular feeding every 2-3 weeks with balanced or nitrogen-rich fertilizer. Monitor for pests and diseases. Remove any damaged outer leaves.
Head Maturation
2-3 weeksHead firms up and becomes dense and round, typically weighing 3-4 pounds. Outer leaves remain waxy and blue-green.
Reduce nitrogen feeding to focus nutrients on head development. Maintain consistent moisture. Check head firmness by gently squeezing; ready to harvest when firm but not rock-hard.
Harvest
Harvest over 2-3 week windowMature heads are fully formed, dense, and ready for cutting. Head diameter reaches 6-8 inches.
Harvest when firm but before heads split from excessive moisture. Cut at base with a sharp knife. Handle carefully to avoid bruising. Can store heads in cool (32-40°F), humid conditions for 3-4 months.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick caterpillars, use row covers, apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray, encourage parasitic wasps
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Use row covers on young plants, apply neem oil or insecticidal soap, dust with diatomaceous earth, plant mustard traps
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Hand-pick, use row covers, spray Bt, encourage natural predators
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Strong water spray, insecticidal soap, neem oil, reflective mulch, release ladybugs
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Row covers, parasitic nematodes (Heterorhabditis), collars around transplants, crop rotation
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Practice 4-year crop rotation, improve drainage, raise soil pH above 7.0, use resistant varieties if available
Uses
Fresh and cooked dishes
CulinaryCopenhagen Market cabbage is excellent for slaws, salads, and braised dishes due to its tender texture and mild, slightly sweet flavor. The compact head size makes it ideal for small households. [source]
Fermentation and pickling
CulinaryIts high sugar content and firm head structure make it an excellent choice for sauerkraut, kimchi, and pickled cabbage preparations. [source]
Nutritional health support
MedicinalRich in vitamin C, vitamin K, fiber, and glucosinolates (cancer-fighting compounds), cabbage supports immune function, bone health, and digestive wellness. [source]
Traditional poultice remedy
HouseholdCabbage leaves have been used in folk medicine as anti-inflammatory poultices for bruises, swelling, and joint discomfort. [source]
Soups and stews
CulinaryThe tender leaves break down beautifully in slow-cooked dishes, adding subtle sweetness and nutrition to hearty soups and stews. [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 dense, typically 60-75 days from transplanting. Press gently on the top—a mature head will feel solid but not rock-hard. Cut at the base with a sharp knife just above the lowest wrapper leaves. Morning harvests are best for peak crispness. For continuous harvest, plant seeds in succession every 2-3 weeks. Store whole heads in a cool (32-40°F), humid location for 3-4 months.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Copenhagen Market was developed in Denmark in the early 1900s and remains one of the most reliable and beloved early cabbage varieties worldwide after more than a century of cultivation.
- 🌱 Cabbage is one of the oldest cultivated vegetables, with evidence of its use dating back 2,500 years to ancient Rome and Greece, where it was valued for both food and medicinal purposes.
- 🌱 A single Copenhagen Market head can contain more vitamin C than an orange by weight, making it an exceptional source of this immune-boosting nutrient.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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