How to Grow Red Acre
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Red Acre
Brassica oleracea var. capitata f. rubra
vegetableRed Acre is a compact, early-maturing red cabbage variety known for its deep purple-red coloring and small to medium-sized heads. It produces dense, firm heads that are excellent for fresh eating, coleslaw, and pickling. This heirloom variety is reliable, disease-resistant, and perfect for home gardeners seeking a quick harvest.
When should you plant Red Acre in your zone?
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Example Red Acre timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Red 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 Red Acre
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Red Acre dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-9; prefers cooler season growing
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Seedling
3-4 weeksSmall green cotyledons emerge 5-10 days after planting; first true leaves develop within 2-3 weeks
Maintain soil moisture and warm temps (65-75°F) for germination. Thin seedlings to one per cell. Provide grow lights if indoors to prevent leggy growth.
Transplant
1-2 weeksPlant develops 4-6 true leaves and is 2-3 inches tall; ready for hardening off and field planting
Harden off seedlings by gradually exposing to outdoor conditions. Handle gently to avoid root damage. Plant into garden at same depth as in containers.
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksRapid leaf development; plant forms dense foliage structure as stem thickens; head initiation begins at 6-8 weeks post-transplant
Provide consistent nitrogen through balanced fertilizer or compost tea every 2-3 weeks. Keep weeds controlled and provide steady watering. Monitor for aphids and cabbage moths.
Head Formation
3-4 weeksLeaves curl inward to form a compact, dense head; color deepens to dark purple-red as head firms
Reduce nitrogen to encourage head firmness; boost potassium and phosphorus. Maintain consistent moisture to prevent splitting. Provide weekly fertilizer application with lower nitrogen ratio.
Harvest Ready
Harvest window spans 1-3 weeksHead reaches 4-6 inches in diameter, feels firm and dense when squeezed, and has uniform deep red coloring throughout
Check maturity by gently pressing head; should have no give. Harvest when firm regardless of exact day count. Can be left unharvested in cool weather for extended storage potential.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Use floating row covers before infestation, hand-pick caterpillars, apply Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) spray, or use neem oil weekly
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Strong water spray to dislodge, insecticidal soap, neem oil, or attract parasitic wasps with flowering companions
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Hand-pick, apply Bt spray, use row covers, or plant trap crops like nasturtium
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Use floating row covers on young plants, diatomaceous earth, neem oil, or kaolin clay spray
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Rotate crops yearly, maintain soil pH above 7.0, ensure good drainage, remove infected plants entirely
Uses
Fresh Coleslaw & Salads
CulinaryRed Acre's fine texture and natural sweetness make it ideal for crisp slaws, colorful salads, and fresh cooking applications. The deep red pigmentation adds visual appeal and mild cabbage flavor. [source]
Pickling & Fermentation
CulinaryThe firm, dense head holds its structure excellently through pickling brines and lacto-fermentation. Creates vibrant pickled red cabbage with superior shelf stability. [source]
Nutritional Benefits & Cancer Prevention
MedicinalRed cabbage contains high levels of anthocyanins and glucosinolates, compounds studied for potential cancer-preventive and anti-inflammatory properties. Regular consumption may support cardiovascular and digestive health. [source]
Natural pH Indicator
HouseholdRed Acre cabbage juice can be used as a natural pH indicator for science experiments and household testing, changing color from pink to purple to blue in different pH environments. [source]
Natural Dye
CraftThe deep red pigmentation can be extracted to create natural dyes for textiles and crafts. Different pH levels of the dye bath produce varying hues from pink to purple. [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 4-6 inches in diameter, typically 60-90 days from transplant. Cut heads at the base with a sharp knife, leaving roots in soil. Early morning harvests retain best quality. Heads can be left on plant in cool weather for extended storage. Store in cool conditions (32-40°F) with high humidity for 2-3 months.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Red Acre was developed in Denmark in the 1920s and remains one of the most reliable and earliest-maturing red cabbage varieties worldwide, popular for commercial and home production.
- 🌱 The red color in Red Acre comes from anthocyanins, water-soluble pigments that change color based on pH—turning bluer in alkaline conditions and more pink in acidic conditions.
- 🌱 Red Acre cabbage can develop slightly different head shapes and compactness depending on growing conditions; cooler temperatures tend to produce tighter, denser heads with better storage quality.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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