How to Grow Defiance Cabbage
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Defiance Cabbage
Brassica oleracea var. capitata 'Defiance'
vegetableDefiance is a late-season green cabbage variety known for its exceptional storage ability and disease resistance. It produces large, dense heads with a pale green color and excellent keeping qualities, making it ideal for winter storage and commercial production. This heirloom variety has been grown since the early 1900s and is prized for its reliability and longevity.
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Example Defiance Cabbage timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Defiance 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 Defiance Cabbage
Around Jul 26≈ 100 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Defiance Cabbage dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-9; best results in cooler climates (zones 2-7) for late-season harvest
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Seedling
3-4 weeksTiny seedlings with 2-4 true leaves emerge 5-10 days after planting. Leaves are deeply lobed and blue-green.
Maintain soil moisture and provide 12-16 hours of light daily. Thin seedlings to prevent overcrowding. Begin fertilizing with dilute solution once true leaves appear.
Vegetative Growth
5-7 weeksPlant develops multiple large leaves and a sturdy central stem. Leaf production accelerates and outer leaves expand. Plant reaches 8-12 inches tall before head initiation.
Water consistently, maintain steady nitrogen supply, and monitor for pests. Remove lower damaged leaves. Ensure adequate spacing to promote air circulation.
Head Formation
6-8 weeksCenter leaves begin to curl and compact, forming a dense head. Head becomes progressively tighter and heavier, starting golf-ball sized and expanding to 8-12 inches diameter.
Maintain even moisture during this critical stage; inconsistent watering causes splitting. Switch to lower-nitrogen, higher-potassium fertilizer. Support heads if wind-damaged.
Head Maturity
2-3 weeksHead becomes fully dense, heavy, and firm when squeezed. Outer wrapper leaves remain fresh and protective. Color is pale to medium green with slight waxy bloom.
Reduce watering slightly to concentrate sugars and improve storage quality. Monitor for cracks if rainfall is heavy. Harvest timing is flexible—Defiance can remain in field for several weeks.
Storage
Up to 6 monthsAfter harvest, properly stored heads can remain fresh for 4-6 months in cool conditions. Heads remain firm and flavorful.
Store at 32-40°F with 90-95% humidity. Remove outer damaged leaves but keep some protective leaves. Place in unheated root cellar, cold frame, or refrigerator.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Use row covers, Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) spray, or hand-pick caterpillars. Introduce parasitic wasps.
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Apply Bt spray, use row covers, encourage natural predators like birds and parasitic wasps.
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Use floating row covers early, spray neem oil or insecticidal soap, dust with diatomaceous earth.
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Hand-pick bugs and egg clusters, use row covers, spray neem oil or pyrethrin-based insecticide.
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Improve soil drainage, practice crop rotation, add lime to raise pH, remove infected plants immediately.
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Use disease-free seeds, practice sanitation, remove infected leaves, improve air circulation, avoid overhead watering.
Uses
Fresh and Cooked Vegetables
CulinaryDefiance cabbage is excellent raw in slaws and salads or cooked in stir-fries, soups, and stews. Its dense, crisp texture and mild flavor make it versatile for both raw and cooked preparations. [source]
Fermentation & Sauerkraut
CulinaryThe dense, juicy heads are ideal for making sauerkraut and other fermented cabbage products. Its storage ability means you can ferment large batches over months. [source]
Digestive and Anti-inflammatory Support
MedicinalCabbage contains glucosinolates and other compounds with potential digestive and anti-inflammatory benefits. It has been used in traditional medicine to support gut health. [source]
Vitamin C and Antioxidants
MedicinalDefiance cabbage is a rich source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and antioxidants that support immune function and overall health. [source]
Long-term Storage & Food Security
HouseholdThis variety's exceptional storage quality makes it invaluable for root cellar preservation, winter food stores, and food security planning. [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 100-130 days from planting. Squeeze gently—a ripe head should feel dense with no soft spots. For storage, harvest in late fall after a light frost (which improves flavor) but before hard freezes. Cut heads at the base with a sharp knife, leaving outer wrapper leaves intact. Cut entire plant at soil level. Defiance is exceptional for storage—heads can remain in cool conditions for up to 6 months.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Defiance cabbage was developed in the late 1800s specifically for excellent storage quality, making it a favorite among home gardeners and farmers before modern refrigeration.
- 🌱 The name 'Defiance' refers to the variety's resistance to disease and ability to defy poor growing conditions and pests, remaining productive where other cabbages fail.
- 🌱 A single mature Defiance head can weigh 3-5 pounds and provide enough sauerkraut or slaw for a family for weeks.
Gardening Terms
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