How to Grow Small White Cabbage Quickpoint

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Small White Cabbage Quickpoint

Brassica oleracea var. capitata

vegetable

Quickpoint is a fast-maturing, compact white cabbage variety bred for quick harvesting and small, dense heads. It produces uniform, firm heads weighing 1-2 pounds, making it ideal for small gardens, containers, and early season production. This variety is prized for its speed to maturity and reliability in producing high-quality, tender cabbage.

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Example Small White Cabbage Quickpoint timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Small White Cabbage Quickpoint

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. Harvest Small White Cabbage Quickpoint

    Around Jun 1

    ≈ 45 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Small White Cabbage Quickpoint 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. Water deeply at soil level to keep leaves dry and prevent disease.
📏
Spacing: 12-15 inches apart in rows 18-24 inches apart inches
📅
Days to maturity: 45-60 days from transplant
🌱
Planting depth: 0.25-0.5 inches for seeds; transplant at true leaf stage at soil level

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil rich in organic matter
pH: 6.0-7.5
Amendments:
Compost aged manure balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) bone meal

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 3-8; grows as cool-season crop in zones 9+

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

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Growth Stages

1

Seedling

3-4 weeks

Cotyledons emerge with characteristic cabbage leaves following. Seedlings develop true leaves and begin forming compact rosette structure.

Maintain consistent moisture and bright light. Thin seedlings to proper spacing or transplant to individual cells. Hardened off before moving outdoors.

2

Vegetative Growth

2-3 weeks

Plant develops multiple outer wrapper leaves in a compact form. Leaf structure becomes increasingly dense and waxy.

Apply consistent fertilizer every 2 weeks. Monitor for aphids and cabbage worms. Ensure adequate spacing for air circulation. Keep soil consistently moist.

3

Head Formation

2-3 weeks

Inner leaves begin to curl and compact tightly, forming a solid head structure. Head gradually increases in density and firmness.

Reduce nitrogen fertilizer to encourage head tightness rather than excessive leaf growth. Continue consistent watering. Watch for pest damage as head forms.

4

Maturity

1 week

Head reaches full size (1-2 pounds), feels very firm and solid when gently squeezed. Outer wrapper leaves remain healthy and turgid.

Stop fertilizing once heads are fully formed. Maintain steady water supply to prevent splitting. Harvest when heads are firm but before over-maturity.

5

Harvest

Varies based on use

Cabbage head is ready for cutting, displaying bright white interior when sliced.

Cut heads at soil level with a sharp knife. Harvest before extremely hot weather arrives. Store in cool conditions for extended shelf life.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Avoid planting near:

Broccoli cauliflower kale kohlrabi fennel strawberries tomatoes

Common Pests

  • Use row covers before infestation, hand-pick larvae, apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), or use neem oil spray

  • Hand-pick caterpillars, apply Bt spray, use spinosad, or deploy parasitic wasps

  • Spray with strong water stream, apply insecticidal soap, use neem oil, or introduce ladybugs

  • Use row covers on young plants, apply diatomaceous earth, spray with neem oil, use reflective mulch

  • Use collars around transplant bases, apply parasitic nematodes to soil, use row covers until flowering

Uses

🍳

Fresh salads and slaws

Culinary

Quickpoint's tender, crisp texture and mild flavor make it ideal for raw applications like coleslaw, salads, and fresh vegetable platters. The small head size is perfect for dishes serving 2-4 people without excess waste. [source]

🍳

Cooked dishes and fermentation

Culinary

Use for braising, stir-frying, steaming, or fermenting into sauerkraut and kimchi. The dense, compact head holds its shape well during cooking. [source]

💊

Nutritional and anti-inflammatory benefits

Medicinal

Cabbage is rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, and glucosinolates which may support digestive health and have anti-inflammatory properties. Cruciferous vegetables have been studied for potential cancer-preventive compounds. [source]

🏠

Natural poultice and topical remedy

Household

Cabbage leaves have traditional use as a natural poultice for bruises, swelling, and inflammatory conditions when applied directly to skin. The leaves are soft and malleable enough to conform to affected areas. [source]

🦋

Garden pest management and biodiversity

Wildlife

Cabbage crops attract beneficial insects including parasitic wasps and hover flies that prey on garden pests, enhancing overall 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 fully formed (typically 45-60 days after transplanting). Cut heads at the base with a sharp knife just above soil level. Harvest in early morning for best quality and crispness. Cut while heads are still tight; overmaturity may cause splitting, especially with excess water. Can be harvested at smaller sizes (golf-ball to tennis-ball sized) for tender baby cabbage if desired.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Quickpoint cabbage was specifically bred in Holland for its remarkably fast maturity and uniform sizing, making it a favorite for commercial market gardeners seeking quick turnover crops.
  • 🌱 Cabbage is one of the oldest cultivated vegetables, with evidence of cultivation dating back to 2000 BCE in Europe, and white cabbage varieties became particularly popular in European cuisine during the Middle Ages.
  • 🌱 The dense head structure of cabbage acts like natural insulation, allowing the inner leaves to remain tender and pale due to blocked light penetration, and harvested cabbage heads can store for 2-4 months in cold conditions.

Gardening Terms

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