How to Grow Glory of Enkhuizen Cabbage

Closest match — some photos here may show the parent species rather than this specific variety.

Glory of Enkhuizen Cabbage

Brassica oleracea var. capitata

vegetable

Glory of Enkhuizen is a classic Dutch heirloom cabbage variety known for producing large, tender, pale green heads with excellent flavor and storage potential. This mid-season variety is prized by home gardeners and commercial growers alike for its reliability, disease resistance, and crisp texture. It matures in 70-100 days and can weigh 4-8 pounds per head.

When should you plant Glory of Enkhuizen Cabbage in your zone?

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Example Glory of Enkhuizen Cabbage timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Glory of Enkhuizen Cabbage
Around Apr 17

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

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest Glory of Enkhuizen Cabbage
Around Jun 26

≈ 70 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Glory of Enkhuizen Cabbage dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily minimum; tolerates partial shade in hot climates

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Water: Consistent, even moisture is critical—provide 1-2 inches per week through rainfall or irrigation. Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Drought stress or erratic watering causes poor head formation and split heads.

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Spacing: 18 inches

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Days to maturity: 70-100 days from transplant

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Planting depth: Start seeds ¼ inch deep indoors; transplant seedlings when 4-6 weeks old at soil depth matching original pot depth

Soil

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

pH: 6.0-7.5

Amendments:

Compost or aged manure Balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) Calcium source (limestone or gypsum) to prevent tip burn Consistent soil moisture retention

Growing Zones

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

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

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Growth Stages

Seedling (0-4 weeks)

4 weeks indoors

Tiny plants with first true leaves emerging; cotyledons followed by serrated foliage

Keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright light or grow lights 12-16 hours daily. Maintain temperature around 65-70°F. Thin seedlings if directly sown.

Transplant Ready (4-6 weeks)

1-2 weeks

Stocky seedlings with 3-4 true leaves and developed root systems ready for hardening off

Gradually expose to outdoor conditions over 7-10 days before planting. Reduce watering slightly to toughen plants. Fertilize lightly with diluted balanced fertilizer.

Vegetative Growth (1-8 weeks after transplant)

6-8 weeks

Rapid leaf development and stem elongation; plant establishes in ground and builds foliage mass

Water deeply and consistently. Apply balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Monitor for cabbage worms and loopers. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Keep area weed-free.

Head Formation (4-6 weeks before harvest)

4-6 weeks

Central whorl of leaves forms tight, dense head; head enlarges progressively; exterior leaves remain pale green

Maintain consistent watering—critical for avoiding splitting. Increase nitrogen slightly if needed but not excessive. Check for pests weekly. Avoid cultivating near plant roots. Support developing heads if needed in windy locations.

Harvest Ready (70-100 days total)

Peak harvest window 1-2 weeks

Mature head feels solid and dense when squeezed gently; exterior leaves firm but still somewhat tender; head reaches 5-8 inches diameter

Check maturity by gentle pressure—head should feel very firm. Harvest before extreme heat causes bolting. Cut heads at soil level with sharp knife. Remove outer wrapper leaves if damaged.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Beets Celery Chamomile Dill Garlic Mint Nasturtium Onions Sage Spinach Thyme

Avoid planting near:

Fennel Kohlrabi Other Brassicas (within 12 inches) Pole beans Strawberries Tomatoes

Common Pests

Hand-pick larvae; use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray; apply row covers to young transplants; encourage parasitic wasps
Row covers during heading stage; Bt spray; hand-pick caterpillars; encourage beneficial insects; neem oil for adults
Row covers on seedlings; diatomaceous earth dust; reflective mulches; neem oil; trap crops like radishes
Strong water spray to dislodge; insecticidal soap; neem oil; encourage ladybugs and parasitoid wasps
Avoid planting brassicas in infected soil; rotate crops 4+ years; improve drainage; apply lime to raise soil pH; use resistant varieties when possible
Use disease-free seed; practice crop rotation; remove infected plants; avoid overhead watering; improve air circulation

Uses

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Fresh slaws and salads

Culinary

The pale green heads produce exceptionally tender, sweet, crisp leaves perfect for coleslaw, fresh slicing, and salads. The mild flavor distinguishes it from red cabbage varieties. [source]

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Fermented and pickled preparations

Culinary

High sugar content and good texture make Glory of Enkhuizen ideal for sauerkraut fermentation and pickling. The variety's density creates satisfying fermented products. [source]

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Braising and cooked dishes

Culinary

The tender texture holds up well to braising, stir-frying, and soup preparation. Leaves are less fibrous than storage-type cabbages, creating a more delicate dish. [source]

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Digestive and anti-inflammatory support

Medicinal

Cabbage contains glucosinolates and vitamin K with traditional uses in supporting digestive health and reducing inflammation. Raw cabbage juice has historical use in digestive wellness. [source]

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Long-term storage and preservation

Household

Glory of Enkhuizen's excellent storage capacity makes it a premier choice for root cellar storage, winter CSA boxes, and multi-month pantry provisions without refrigeration when properly cured and stored. [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 feel firm and solid to hand pressure, typically 70-100 days after transplanting. Cut heads at the base with a sharp knife, leaving stem and root in ground if desired for secondary head production. Harvest before temperatures exceed 75°F consistently to prevent bolting and splitting. For storage, cure heads in cool (50-55°F), humid conditions for 2-3 weeks before storing at 32-40°F. Glory of Enkhuizen stores exceptionally well for 4-6 months in proper cold storage conditions, making it ideal for winter harvest preservation.

Fun Facts

🌱 Glory of Enkhuizen is named after the Dutch town of Enkhuizen and dates back to the early 1900s, making it one of the oldest standardized open-pollinated cabbage varieties still widely grown.
🌱 This heirloom variety was developed specifically for the European market and became famous for its consistent performance and exceptional storage life, which made it crucial for winter food security before modern refrigeration.
🌱 Despite its 100+ year history, Glory of Enkhuizen remains virtually unchanged from its original genetics, making seeds saved from one season remarkably similar to those saved by gardeners a century ago.

Gardening Terms

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

Bolt Full Sun Hardening Off Heirloom Mulch Partial Shade Transplant True Leaves

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