How to Grow Early Jersey Wakefield Cabbage

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Early Jersey Wakefield Cabbage

Brassica oleracea var. capitata

vegetable

Early Jersey Wakefield is a classic heirloom cabbage variety prized for its small, conical heads and early maturity. This traditional cultivar produces dense, tender heads that are excellent for fresh eating, coleslaw, and cooking. It has been a gardener favorite since the 1800s for its reliability and superior flavor.

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Example Early Jersey Wakefield Cabbage timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Early Jersey Wakefield Cabbage
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest Early Jersey Wakefield Cabbage
Around Jun 11

≈ 55 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Early Jersey Wakefield Cabbage dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️

Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily minimum

💧

Water: Consistent moisture; 1-1.5 inches per week. Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Water at soil level to prevent fungal issues on foliage.

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Spacing: 12-15 inches

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Days to maturity: 55-70 days from transplant

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Planting depth: 0.25 inches for seeds; transplants at soil line

Soil

Type: Rich, well-draining loamy soil with high organic matter

pH: 6.0-7.5

Amendments:

Compost Aged manure Bone meal Kelp meal Nitrogen-rich fertilizer

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

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

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

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Growth Stages

Seedling

3-4 weeks

Tiny plants with 2-4 true leaves, developing the characteristic blue-green cabbage foliage

Keep soil consistently moist. Provide grow lights if indoors. Thin seedlings to strongest plants if direct seeding. Begin hardening off transplants 1-2 weeks before planting.

Vegetative Growth

2-3 weeks

Plants establish a strong root system and develop 8-12 leaves. Foliage is robust, blue-green, and densely packed.

Apply consistent nitrogen fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Maintain even watering. Monitor for cabbage moths and aphids. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.

Head Formation

2-3 weeks

Leaves begin to curl inward at the center, forming a tight, conical head. The head gradually becomes denser and more defined.

Reduce nitrogen slightly to encourage head formation. Continue consistent watering; fluctuations cause splitting. Check regularly for pests. Remove any yellowed outer leaves.

Head Maturation

1-2 weeks

Head becomes firm and compact, reaching full size (2-4 pounds). Outer leaves remain green and protective; inner leaves become pale and tender.

Maintain steady watering to prevent splitting. Check firmness by gently pressing the head. Stop fertilizing once heads reach full size. Watch for late-season pests.

Harvest Ready

Begins at 55-70 days; window lasts several days to 1 week

Head is fully firm, compact, and conical in shape. Weighs 2-4 pounds with solid interior. Ready for cutting.

Harvest promptly when ready to avoid over-maturity and splitting. Cut heads in early morning when cool. Leave roots in ground if a second crop is desired in cool climates.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Beets Carrots Celery Dill Lettuce Onions Potatoes Spinach Thyme

Avoid planting near:

Fennel Strawberries Tomatoes Pole beans Broccoli Cauliflower Kohlrabi

Common Pests

Row covers over seedlings, hand-pick caterpillars, Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), neem oil spray
Row covers, Bt spray, spinosad, hand-pick larvae
Strong water spray, insecticidal soap, neem oil, ladybug releases
Row covers on young plants, diatomaceous earth, neem oil
Bt spray, row covers, hand-pick caterpillars, crop rotation
Crop rotation (3+ years), raise soil pH to 7.0+, remove infected plants, disinfect tools

Uses

🍳

Fresh eating and coleslaw

Culinary

Early Jersey Wakefield's tender, fine-textured leaves and mild, sweet flavor make it ideal for fresh salads, coleslaw, and raw preparations. The conical head is easy to slice and presents beautifully when cut. [source]

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Cooking and fermentation

Culinary

Its dense structure and crisp leaves are excellent for steaming, boiling, stir-frying, and traditional sauerkraut and kimchi fermentation. The tender texture allows for quick cooking. [source]

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Anti-inflammatory and digestive support

Medicinal

Cabbage contains glucosinolates and sulfur compounds with potential anti-inflammatory properties. Traditional use includes cabbage leaf poultices for swelling and supporting digestive health. [source]

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Long-term storage crop

Household

Early Jersey Wakefield stores exceptionally well in cool conditions, making it an ideal choice for root cellars and long-term preservation. Its compact size makes it perfect for smaller storage spaces. [source]

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Garden biodiversity

Wildlife

Cabbage flowers (if plants bolt) attract beneficial pollinators and parasitic wasps that prey on garden pests. Growing some plants to flowering supports garden ecosystem health. [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 reach full conical shape (usually 2-4 pounds), typically 55-70 days from transplant. Harvest in the morning when heads are cool and crisp. Cut the head at soil level with a sharp knife, leaving the root intact if successive harvests are desired in cool climates. Early Jersey Wakefield is best harvested slightly immature for peak tenderness. Use immediately or store in a cool cellar (near 32°F and 90-95% humidity) for 2-3 months.

Fun Facts

🌱 Early Jersey Wakefield has been grown continuously since the 1840s and remains one of the most beloved heirloom cabbage varieties for its exceptional flavor and reliable early production.
🌱 The conical head shape is distinctive to this variety and makes it instantly recognizable; it was developed specifically for early spring markets in Jersey, New Jersey.
🌱 This cabbage is exceptionally cold-hardy and can tolerate light frosts, making it ideal for spring planting and fall crops in cooler regions where it produces some of its sweetest heads.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Cultivar Full Sun Hardening Off Heirloom Mulch pH Transplant True Leaves

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