How to Grow Westar Cabbage
Wikimedia Commons
Westar Cabbage
Brassica oleracea var. capitata 'Westar'
vegetableWestar is a classic early-maturing green cabbage variety known for its compact, uniform heads and excellent flavor. It was developed by Cornell University and is prized for both home gardeners and commercial growers due to its reliability, disease resistance, and consistent performance. The variety produces tight, medium-sized heads perfect for fresh eating and storage.
When should you plant Westar Cabbage in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Westar Cabbage timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Westar Cabbage
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Westar Cabbage
Around Jun 11≈ 55 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Westar Cabbage dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-8; excellent cool-season performance
Sign up free to see if Westar Cabbage grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Westar Cabbage timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny cotyledons emerge; first true leaves appear small and wrinkled.
Maintain consistent moisture and warmth (65-70°F). Provide bright light indoors. Thin seedlings to prevent crowding.
Vegetative (Early Growth)
3-4 weeksSeedlings develop 4-6 true leaves; transplants establish and begin growing rapidly.
Harden off transplants gradually before field planting. Apply steady nitrogen fertilizer every 2 weeks. Mulch to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
Head Formation (Mid-Season)
2-3 weeksPlant forms a visible central head; outer leaves overlap to create the compact ball shape.
Monitor for pests and diseases. Ensure consistent watering. Reduce nitrogen to avoid loose heads. Watch for calcium deficiency (tip burn).
Head Maturation
2-3 weeksHead becomes firm, dense, and reaches full size (2-4 lbs typically). Outer wrapper leaves remain green.
Continue steady watering. Reduce or stop fertilizing. Scout for late-season pests. Heads should feel hard when gently squeezed.
Harvest Ready
Variable; harvest within 1-2 weeks of maturityHead is solid, compact, and field-tested firm. Outer leaves may show minor cosmetic marks.
Harvest when heads reach desired size and firmness. Can be left in ground briefly if weather is cool. Avoid overmature heads, which may split.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Use row covers on young plants, Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) spray, hand-pick, or neem oil. Encourage parasitic wasps.
-
Bt spray, spinosad, row covers, and hand-picking. Monitor regularly for early detection.
-
Row covers, diatomaceous earth, neem oil, or insecticidal soap. Remove debris where they overwinter.
-
Strong water spray, insecticidal soap, neem oil, or targeted pyrethrin spray. Encourage beneficial insects.
-
Plant resistant varieties, avoid replanting brassicas in infested soil for 3-4 years, improve drainage, raise soil pH to 7+.
-
Use disease-free seeds, remove infected leaves, rotate crops, improve air circulation, avoid overhead watering.
Uses
Fresh eating and slaws
CulinaryWestar's tender, sweet leaves are excellent raw in salads, coleslaw, and slaws. The mild flavor and crisp texture make it ideal for fresh preparations without the bitterness of storage varieties. [source]
Cooking and fermentation
CulinaryUse in stir-fries, soups, stews, and braised dishes. Westar's early-maturity timing makes it excellent for spring and early summer cooking when tender cabbage is desired. [source]
Phytonutrient content
MedicinalWestar cabbage contains glucosinolates, which break down into compounds with potential anti-inflammatory and cancer-preventive properties. Raw or lightly cooked cabbage provides optimal bioavailability. [source]
Storage and preservation
HouseholdWestar stores reasonably well for an early variety when kept cool and humid. Suitable for short to medium-term storage (3-4 weeks) or can be fermented into sauerkraut. [source]
Insect habitat and food
WildlifeFlowering bolts and uncultivated plants attract pollinators and beneficial insects. Cabbage plants provide shelter for ground beetles and spiders that help control garden pests. [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 3-4 inches in diameter (typically 2-4 lbs). Cut heads at the base with a sharp knife just above the lowest leaves. Westar tolerates slight frosts and can be harvested late into fall. Heads store well in cool, humid conditions (32-40°F, 95% humidity) for up to 3 months. For best quality, harvest in the morning when heads are cool and turgid.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Westar was developed at Cornell University specifically for early harvest and disease resistance, making it one of the most reliable and widely recommended varieties for home gardeners and small farms.
- 🌱 Cabbage is one of the oldest cultivated vegetables, dating back over 2,500 years, and Westar represents modern breeding for consistency and flavor while honoring traditional cabbage-growing practices.
- 🌱 A single mature Westar head can contain 20+ outer leaves folded around the central head, creating a natural protective structure that allows some storage without additional processing.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Westar Cabbage planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Westar Cabbage seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Westar Cabbage timeline →