How to Grow Wonderland Deep Purple
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Wonderland Deep Purple
Brassica oleracea var. capitata
vegetableWonderland Deep Purple is a red/purple cabbage variety known for its deep, rich purple coloring and compact, uniform heads. It produces medium-sized heads (2-4 lbs) with excellent color retention even after cooking. This variety is prized for both fresh eating and cooking applications.
When should you plant Wonderland Deep Purple in your zone?
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Example Wonderland Deep Purple timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Wonderland Deep Purple
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 Wonderland Deep Purple
Around Jun 26≈ 70 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Wonderland Deep Purple dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-9; performs best in zones 4-8 with consistent moisture
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Seedling
2-3 weeksYoung plants with 2-4 true leaves, delicate and green without purple coloring yet
Keep soil consistently moist; maintain 65-75°F for optimal germination. Provide bright light to prevent leggy growth. Thin seedlings to proper spacing or transplant to individual pots.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksPlants establish deep root systems and leaf production increases; purple coloring begins to develop in leaves
Water consistently and deeply. Apply balanced fertilizer every 3-4 weeks. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. Monitor for pests. Ensure full sun exposure for optimal color development.
Head Formation
2-3 weeksOuter leaves wrap tightly around developing central head; deep purple color intensifies throughout
Continue consistent watering—this is critical to prevent splitting. Reduce nitrogen fertilizer and apply potassium-rich fertilizer to support head density. Maintain 55-65°F if possible for best color. Remove yellowed outer leaves if needed.
Head Maturation
1-2 weeksHead reaches full size and density, with vibrant deep purple coloring throughout. Head feels firm when gently squeezed.
Continue watering unless rain is abundant. Stop fertilizing. Inspect regularly for pest damage. Heads are ready to harvest when they reach 2-4 lbs and feel solid.
Harvest
Ready to harvestMature heads are densely packed, uniformly colored deep purple, and firm to pressure
Harvest when heads are firm; waiting too long after maturity may cause splitting. Cut head at base with sharp knife leaving outer wrapper leaves intact for protection.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Use row covers; apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) when worms appear; hand-pick; encourage beneficial insects like parasitic wasps
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Apply Bt spray; use floating row covers; hand-pick caterpillars; attract natural predators
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Use row covers on young plants; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap; dust with diatomaceous earth; intercrop with aromatic plants
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Spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap; apply neem oil; encourage ladybugs and parasitic wasps
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Ensure good drainage; lime acidic soil; rotate crops away from brassicas for 3+ years; remove infected plants immediately; use resistant varieties if available
Uses
Cooked & Fresh Preparations
CulinaryWonderland Deep Purple retains its vibrant color even when cooked, making it ideal for coleslaw, stir-fries, roasting, and pickling. Raw, it provides a crisp texture and mild, slightly sweet cabbage flavor. The deep purple pigments remain stable through most cooking methods. [source]
Antioxidant-Rich Nutrition
MedicinalPurple cabbage is rich in anthocyanins and other phytonutrients with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Regular consumption may support heart health, immune function, and cellular protection. [source]
Fermented Foods
CulinaryWonderland Deep Purple is excellent for fermentation into sauerkraut or kimchi, where it develops deeper flavors while retaining beneficial probiotics and enzymes that support digestive health. [source]
Natural Dye Production
HouseholdPurple cabbage contains anthocyanin pigments that can be extracted to create natural dyes and pH indicators for science experiments and art projects. [source]
Butterfly & Pollinator Support
WildlifeWhen allowed to bolt, cabbage produces small yellow flowers that attract pollinators and beneficial insects, supporting garden biodiversity. [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 2-4 lbs (typically 70-85 days after planting). Squeeze gently—if the head resists pressure, it's ready. Cut at the base with a sharp knife, leaving 2-3 outer wrapper leaves for protection. Early morning harvest retains more moisture. Wonderland Deep Purple can tolerate light frosts, allowing extended harvest seasons in fall. Store in cool conditions (32-40°F) for 2-4 months.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Purple cabbages change color based on soil pH—more acidic soils produce redder heads, while more alkaline soils produce bluer heads, due to anthocyanin pH sensitivity.
- 🌱 Wonderland Deep Purple can tolerate temperatures down to 20°F and actually improves in flavor after a light frost, as starches convert to sugars.
- 🌱 When you cut into this cabbage, the juice can stain hands and cutting boards with its deep purple anthocyanins, which can be washed out with soap and water.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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