Cabbage Red Acre
Red Acre Cabbage is a compact, early-maturing red cabbage variety with beautiful deep purple-red heads. The heads are firm, round, and typically weigh 2–4 pounds. It is well-suited for smaller gardens and resists splitting, making it excellent for both fresh use and storage.
How to Grow Red Acre Cabbage from Seeds:
Sowing:
Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before your last expected spring frost. Sow ½" deep in seed-starting mix, spacing seeds 1–2" apart. Maintain a soil temperature of 70–75°F (21–24°C) for optimal germination. Transplant seedlings outdoors 2–4 weeks before the last frost, when they are 4–6 weeks old and have at least 2–4 true leaves.
For a fall harvest, start seeds in midsummer and transplant in late summer.
Companion Planting:
Good companions: Onions, beets, celery, aromatic herbs like thyme and mint.
Avoid planting near: Tomatoes, pole beans, and strawberries.
Growing Tips:
Spacing: 12–18 inches apart in rows 24–36 inches apart.
Light: Full Sun (6–8 hours/day).
Soil: Rich, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0–7.5. Keep soil consistently moist.
Mulching: Use mulch to conserve moisture, regulate soil temperature, and reduce weed growth.
Cold Protection: Young plants can tolerate light frost but protect from hard freezes.
Key Facts:
Days to Germination: 5–10 days
Days to Maturity: 75–85 days
Plant Height: About 12–16 inches
Life Cycle: Annual
USDA Zones: 3–10
Color: Deep red to purple
Use: Culinary (slaws, pickling, steaming, salads)
Harvesting:
Harvest Red Acre cabbage when heads are firm and full-sized (usually around 75 days). If left too long in the field, heads may split. Harvest in the morning while the heads are cool and crisp.
Seed Saving:
Red Acre is an open-pollinated variety. To save seeds:
Allow some plants to overwinter or store roots over winter.
Replant in spring and allow plants to bolt and flower.
Pods will form after flowering. When dry, harvest and thresh.
Store seeds in a cool, dry place. Viable for 4–5 years.
