(80 days) F-1 hybrid. Our first trials of this dark green 4–8 lb cabbage were more than two decades ago, but #4 has stored well in our memories ever since, and not on account of its catchy name! Typically will store at least until spring, but Robert Baskett of Brunswick, ME, ate his last two on Christmas Eve 2020 after storing them for 14 months! He stripped off outer leathery leaves and used one cabbage for streamed dumplings and the other for a stir-fry. Marie Merkel of Surry, ME, thanks us for adding it: “Never splits—still crisp and tasty next July.” Delicious and crisp with a solid head that holds well during the weather stresses of fall harvest. Widely adapted but because of its earliness relative to other storage cabbages, we recommend planting a bit later if storage is your intent. Resists FY. Tested negative for BR and BL. ⑤
Storage #4 Green Cabbage
Storage #4 Green Cabbage
(80 days) F-1 hybrid. Our first trials of this dark green 4–8 lb cabbage were more than two decades ago, but #4 has stored well in our memories ever since, and not on account of its catchy name! Typically will store at least until spring, but Robert Baskett of Brunswick, ME, ate his last two on Christmas Eve 2020 after storing them for 14 months! He stripped off outer leathery leaves and used one cabbage for streamed dumplings and the other for a stir-fry. Marie Merkel of Surry, ME, thanks us for adding it: “Never splits—still crisp and tasty next July.” Delicious and crisp with a solid head that holds well during the weather stresses of fall harvest. Widely adapted but because of its earliness relative to other storage cabbages, we recommend planting a bit later if storage is your intent. Resists FY. Tested negative for BR and BL. ⑤
Additional Information
Cabbage
- Days to maturity are from seedling emergence (subtract 20 days for transplants).
- About 150–350 seeds/g.
Blue-purple foods such as red cabbage and purple cauliflower contain anthocyanins and phenolics, which benefit the urinary tract, memory and immune system.
Culture: Exposure to hoarfrost is good for cabbages. They double their sugar content after one month of cold. Wire hoops and row cover should be used at early stages to keep out flea beetles and swede midge.
Red cabbage seedlings are often used for microgreens.
Minimum germination soil temperature 40°, optimal range 55–95°.
Brassicas
Days to maturity are from seedling emergence. Subtract 20 days for transplants.
Culture: Start brassicas indoors March-May for setting out May-July, or direct-seed in May, or in June for fall crop. Minimum germination soil temperature 40°, optimal range 55–85°. Easier grown for the fall because many varieties perform poorly in hot summers. For better stands in dry conditions, sow in trenches and keep irrigated. Wire hoops and row cover should be used at early stages to keep out flea beetles and swede midge.
Note: because of a rule issued by Oregon, we cannot ship brassica packets larger than ½ oz. (14 grams) into the Willamette Valley, except those that have tested negative for Black Leg and Black Rot. Check descriptions for information.
Diseases:- BL: Blackleg
- BR: Black Rot
- BS: Bacterial Speck
- DM: Downy Mildew
- FW: Fusarium Wilt
- FY: Fusarium Yellows
- TB: Tipburn
- WR: White Rust
Pest and Disease Remedies for all Brassicas
Major pests: Cabbage Looper, Diamondback Moth, Imported Cabbageworm
Cultural controls: control cabbage-family weeds near crop fields, till under crop debris of early-season brassicas after harvest.
Material controls: Spinosad, Bt.
Pest: Flea Beetle
Cultural controls: floating row covers, mulch with straw, time plantings for fall harvested crops only, crop rotation, perimeter trap cropping.
Material controls: AzaMax, Spinosad, PyGanic.
Pest: Cabbage Root Maggot
Cultural controls: time planting to avoid first hatching, use row covers, control weeds.
Major diseases: Black Rot, Alternaria Leaf Spot, Blackleg, Club Root, Downy Mildew, White Mold
Cultural controls: avoid transplanting plants with yellow leaves or v-shaped lesions, crop rotation, destroy crop debris after harvest, avoid overhead irrigation, control weeds, allow for good air movement.
Material controls: Copper.
Disease: Head Rot
Cultural controls: use well-domed varieties, harvest heads when tight, cut stalks at an angle.
Material control: Copper.
Swede Midge—not as cute as it sounds!
Alert! Heading brassicas in the Northeast are seeing consistent damage from swede midge, a tiny gall midge. Its effects result in a non-heading plant. Wire hoops and row cover at early stages of heading brassica crops are becoming crucial for success. Some research also suggests garlic sprays as a possible organic repellent. Consult your Cooperative Extension resources for further information.
Germination Testing
For the latest results of our germination tests, please see the germination page.
Our Seeds are Non-GMO
All of our seeds are non-GMO, and free of neonicotinoids and fungicides. Fedco is one of the original companies to sign the Safe Seed Pledge.