How to Grow Red Drumhead
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Red Drumhead
Brassica oleracea var. capitata f. rubra
vegetableRed Drumhead is a classic red cabbage variety prized for its deep crimson-purple colored, dense, round heads. It stores exceptionally well and develops excellent flavor with a slightly sweet, mild taste. The variety has been cultivated for centuries and remains a favorite for fresh eating, pickling, and storage.
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Example Red Drumhead timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Red Drumhead
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 Drumhead
Around Jul 1≈ 75 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Red Drumhead dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 3-8; grows as spring or fall crop in warmer regions
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Seedling
4-6 weeksTiny plants with 2-4 true leaves, delicate and pale green
Keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright light and protection from drafts. Maintain 60-70°F. Fertilize weekly with diluted liquid fertilizer once true leaves appear.
Establishment
1-2 weeksYoung plants with 6-8 leaves, hardening off and developing stronger stems
Gradually acclimate to outdoor conditions over 7-10 days. Plant into garden when 4-6 inches tall. Water deeply after transplanting. Mulch around base to retain moisture.
Vegetative
30-45 daysBushy plants with multiple large leaves spreading outward; no head formation yet
Water consistently and deeply. Side-dress with nitrogen fertilizer every 3-4 weeks or use weekly diluted liquid fertilizer. Monitor for pests and diseases. Maintain consistent moisture to prevent splitting later.
Head Formation
25-35 daysOuter leaves begin to cup inward; tight, firm head begins forming at center; red color deepens
Reduce nitrogen to prevent excessive leaf growth. Maintain steady watering. Remove yellowed outer leaves if desired. Provide phosphorus and potassium for head development. Watch for cabbage worms and loopers.
Harvest Ready
Continuous; usually ready over 2-3 week windowSolid, dense head with deep purple-red color; head feels firm and heavy when squeezed
Stop fertilizing. Reduce watering slightly but maintain consistent moisture. Heads typically mature simultaneously; harvest promptly to prevent splitting or bolting. Store in cool location for extended shelf life.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Row covers on young plants; hand-pick caterpillars; Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray; companion planting with herbs like thyme and dill
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Bt spray; neem oil; hand-picking; encourage natural predators like parasitic wasps
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Hand-pick bugs and egg clusters; row covers; spinosad spray; remove plant debris
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Row covers on seedlings; neem oil; diatomaceous earth; avoid overwatering stressed plants
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Strong water spray; insecticidal soap; neem oil; encourage ladybugs and lacewings
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Crop rotation (3-4 year minimum); lime soil to raise pH; remove infected plants; choose resistant varieties if available
Uses
Raw salads and slaws
CulinaryThe crisp, mild-sweet leaves are excellent shredded raw in coleslaws, salads, and fresh preparations. Red cabbage adds vibrant color and a subtle sweetness to dishes. [source]
Pickling and fermentation
CulinaryRed Drumhead is traditionally used for red cabbage sauerkraut, pickles, and fermented condiments. Its firm structure maintains texture through fermentation and processing. [source]
Braising and cooking
CulinaryExcellent braised with apples, vinegar, or wine in German and Eastern European cuisines. Cooked cabbage becomes tender and develops deeper, more complex flavors. [source]
Nutritional and anti-inflammatory properties
MedicinalRed cabbage is rich in anthocyanins, vitamin C, and sulfur compounds with documented anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Traditional use supports digestive and immune health. [source]
Natural pH indicator dye
HouseholdThe anthocyanin pigments in red cabbage juice create a natural pH indicator that changes color in acids and bases, making it useful for science experiments and natural dyes. [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 dense, typically 75-100 days after transplant. Cut heads from base with a sharp knife, leaving roots in ground (may regenerate small secondary heads). Morning harvest after dew dries yields crispest leaves. Red Drumhead stores exceptionally well in cool (32-40°F), humid conditions for 4-6 months; wrap individually in newspaper. Can tolerate light frosts and actually improves in flavor after cold exposure.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Red Drumhead's deep purple-red color comes from anthocyanins, the same pigments found in blueberries and red wine. The color intensity increases with exposure to cooler temperatures during growth.
- 🌱 Red cabbage stores dramatically longer than green cabbage—up to 6 months in cool storage—making it historically valuable for winter food security and long sea voyages.
- 🌱 The name 'Drumhead' refers to the round, compact, drum-like shape of the head, which is prized for uniform size and density in both home and commercial cultivation.
Gardening Terms
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