How to Grow Coral Prince Cabbage
Coral Prince Cabbage
Brassica oleracea var. capitata
vegetableCoral Prince is a red cabbage variety known for its vibrant deep purple-red coloring and compact, dense heads. It offers excellent flavor with a slightly sweet taste and stores well for extended periods. This heirloom-type variety is prized for both culinary use and ornamental garden appeal.
When should you plant Coral Prince Cabbage in your zone?
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Example Coral Prince Cabbage timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Coral Prince 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 Coral Prince Cabbage
Around Jun 26≈ 70 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Coral Prince Cabbage dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-9; prefers cooler weather for head formation
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Seedling
4-6 weeksSmall plants with 2-4 true leaves emerging from cotyledons
Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before transplanting. Keep soil consistently moist and maintain temperatures of 65-75°F. Thin or transplant when first true leaves appear.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksRapid leaf expansion; plant develops 8-12 leaves with a bushy appearance, no head formation yet
Water consistently and fertilize every 2-3 weeks with balanced or nitrogen-rich fertilizer. Monitor for pests and diseases. Provide adequate spacing for air circulation.
Head Formation
3-4 weeksOuter leaves begin to curve inward; central leaves compact into a visible head structure
Switch to lower nitrogen fertilizer (higher potassium/phosphorus) to encourage head development rather than leaf growth. Continue consistent watering. Remove any yellowing outer leaves.
Head Maturation
2-3 weeksHead becomes dense, firm, and achieves full purple-red coloring; outer leaves remain protective
Reduce nitrogen fertilizer. Maintain consistent moisture to prevent head splitting. Monitor for late-season pests. Heads are harvestable when firm to finger pressure.
Harvest Ready
Variable; lasts 2-4 weeks in fieldFully formed, compact head with deep purple-red color; head feels solid when squeezed gently
Harvest when heads reach desired size and firmness. Can be left in field for extended storage if temperatures remain cool. Pick before heavy freezing or when heads split.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Use row covers, Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), hand-pick larvae, encourage parasitic wasps
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Apply Bt spray, use insecticidal soap, remove by hand, install floating row covers
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Use row covers on young plants, apply neem oil or insecticidal soap, diatomaceous earth
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Row covers, Bt applications, pheromone traps, hand removal of eggs and larvae
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Strong water spray, insecticidal soap, neem oil, encourage natural predators
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Crop rotation (3+ years), raise soil pH above 7.2, remove infected plants, use resistant varieties
Uses
Raw and cooked preparations
CulinaryThe deep purple-red flesh is excellent raw in slaws, salads, and as a striking garnish. When cooked, it develops a mild, sweet flavor that works beautifully in braised dishes, stir-fries, soups, and fermented preparations like sauerkraut and kimchi. [source]
Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits
MedicinalRed cabbage contains high levels of anthocyanins and other polyphenols with potent antioxidant properties. These compounds have been studied for their anti-inflammatory effects and potential benefits for cardiovascular and digestive health. [source]
Natural pH indicator
HouseholdRed cabbage contains anthocyanins that change color based on pH levels, making red cabbage juice a simple and educational natural indicator for testing acidity in household and science experiments. [source]
Fermented preservation
CulinaryCoral Prince's firm texture and strong flavor make it ideal for fermentation. The natural sugars and cabbage's inherent lactic acid bacteria support successful lacto-fermentation for long-term storage. [source]
Pollinator and beneficial insect support
WildlifeIf allowed to bolt, cabbage produces abundant small yellow flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators while supporting beneficial insects like hoverflies that prey on garden 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 dense, typically 70-90 days after transplanting. Cut heads at the base with a sharp knife, leaving the stem and outer leaves intact if desired for secondary head growth. For storage, harvest in cool weather and cure in a cool, dry location. Coral Prince cabbage stores exceptionally well for 3-6 months in cool conditions (32-40°F, 90-95% humidity).
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Red cabbage contains anthocyanins, the same powerful pigments found in blueberries and red wine, which is why the color intensifies when cooked in acidic conditions like vinegar or lemon juice.
- 🌱 Coral Prince cabbage can survive light frosts and actually develops sweeter flavor after exposure to cold temperatures, making fall-harvested heads particularly flavorful.
- 🌱 A single cabbage plant can produce 3-5 smaller secondary heads from the stem after the main head is harvested, providing additional yields from the same plant.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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