How to Grow Golden Acre
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Golden Acre
Brassica oleracea var. capitata
vegetableGolden Acre is a compact, early-maturing cabbage variety with small, dense, round heads and a pale yellow-green color. Known for its tender texture and mild, sweet flavor, it's ideal for small gardens and produces uniform heads in just 60-70 days. This heirloom cabbage is popular for fresh eating, coleslaw, and storage.
When should you plant Golden Acre in your zone?
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Example Golden Acre timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Golden Acre
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 Golden Acre
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Golden Acre dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9; prefers cooler spring and fall conditions
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Get my Golden Acre timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
3-4 weeksSmall plants with 2-4 true leaves, pale green coloring, developing first set of characteristic cabbage foliage
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright light. Maintain temperatures 60-70°F. Thin seedlings to prevent overcrowding if direct seeding.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksRapid leaf development, forming a rosette of blue-green leaves. Plant develops a strong root system and establishes compact growth pattern.
Water deeply and consistently. Apply balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Monitor for cabbage worms and aphids. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
Head Formation
2-3 weeksLeaves begin to curve inward and form a tight, dense, round head. Head gradually becomes more compact and pale yellow-green in color.
Continue consistent watering—critical at this stage. Reduce nitrogen, increase phosphorus and potassium for firm head development. Remove any damaged outer leaves. Maintain consistent soil moisture to prevent splitting.
Head Maturity
1-2 weeksHead reaches full size (2-4 lbs typically), becomes firm and dense, outer leaves tighten. Color remains pale yellow-green; head feels solid when gently squeezed.
Check head firmness by pressing gently—ready to harvest when solid. Stop fertilizing. Maintain even moisture to prevent cracking. Harvest promptly when mature to prevent splitting.
Harvest
Harvest windowFully mature, firm head ready for cutting at soil level. Outer wrapper leaves can be removed if damaged; inner leaves remain fresh and tender.
Cut head with a sharp knife at the base. Leave roots in ground; they may regenerate small secondary heads. Store in cool conditions (32-40°F, high humidity) for extended shelf life.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Use row covers until heading begins. Apply Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) spray weekly. Handpick caterpillars. Encourage parasitic wasps.
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Apply Bt spray every 7-10 days. Use neem oil. Handpick larger caterpillars. Deploy row covers for young plants.
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Strong water spray to dislodge. Insecticidal soap or neem oil. Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings.
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Use row covers on seedlings. Diatomaceous earth dust. Neem oil spray. Reflective mulches deter beetles.
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Practice crop rotation (3-4 years away from Brassicas). Lime soil to raise pH above 7.2. Remove infected plants. Use resistant varieties if available.
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Use disease-free seeds and transplants. Remove infected leaves. Provide good air circulation. Practice crop rotation. Avoid overhead watering.
Uses
Fresh Coleslaw & Salads
CulinaryGolden Acre's tender, mild, slightly sweet leaves make it ideal for fresh coleslaw, slaws, and salads. The compact size is perfect for small households. [source]
Braised & Stir-Fried Dishes
CulinaryThe delicate texture cooks quickly and develops a sweet, subtle flavor when braised, steamed, or stir-fried. Excellent for Asian and European cuisines. [source]
Fermentation & Pickling
CulinaryThe crisp texture and mild flavor make Golden Acre suitable for sauerkraut, kimchi, and pickling, though traditional storage cabbages are more common. [source]
Nutritional & Anti-inflammatory Benefits
MedicinalRich in vitamin C, vitamin K, and glucosinolates—compounds studied for anti-inflammatory and potential anti-cancer properties. Traditional medicine uses include digestive support. [source]
Natural Home Remedy
HouseholdCabbage leaf compresses have been traditionally applied to inflammation, sprains, and breast engorgement to reduce swelling and discomfort. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Golden Acre is ready to harvest 60-70 days from transplant when heads feel firm and solid to gentle pressure. Harvest in the morning after dew dries for best quality. Cut heads at the base with a sharp knife, leaving the roots in ground—they may produce small secondary heads. For storage, keep at 32-40°F with high humidity (90-95%); heads will keep 3-4 months. Harvest promptly when mature to prevent splitting, especially after heavy rain or inconsistent watering.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Golden Acre was developed in the early 20th century and is one of the most widely grown early cabbage varieties worldwide, prized by home gardeners and commercial growers alike for its reliability and compact size.
- 🌱 Cabbage can store remarkably well—Golden Acre heads can last 3-4 months in cool storage (32-40°F with 90-95% humidity), making it excellent for winter eating despite its early maturity.
- 🌱 Cabbage is a 'biennial' in botanical terms, meaning it produces a head in year one and would flower in year two if allowed to overwinter; Golden Acre's rapid maturity allows harvest before environmental stress triggers bolting.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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