Kale should only be harvested after the first frost, but what about white cabbage? Does it taste better after the first frost and is it even hardy? Here you can find out more about white cabbage and its relationship to frost.
Should white cabbage only be harvested after frost?
White cabbage is somewhat hardy depending on the variety, but does not necessarily have to be harvested after the first frost. Autumn white cabbage can remain in the bed over winter, while early varieties should be harvested before the onset of winter. Planting takes place after the Ice Saints in mid-May.
White cabbage is not kale
Kale usually tastes bitter if it is harvested before it has experienced some cold weather. This is due to the high starch content and low sugar content. If it gets cold around it, it reduces starch production, but continues to produce sugar and therefore tastes less bitter and sweeter. This does not apply to white cabbage. Either way, white cabbage doesn't taste bitter and therefore doesn't need to be harvested before frost.
Is white cabbage hardy?
Whether white cabbage is hardy or not depends on the variety. Some types of white cabbage, the so-called autumn white cabbage, are not planted until autumn, remain in the bed over winter and are harvested the following spring. To protect it from severe frost, you should place a few branches over your white cabbage plants. Early varieties of white cabbage, on the other hand, are not always hardy and should therefore be harvested before the onset of winter. In general, it should be noted that white cabbage should under no circumstances be harvested in frost.
Plant white cabbage only after frost
As with all vegetables, the same applies to white cabbage: Only plant the white cabbage plants outdoors when frost is no longer expected. The guideline here is the Ice Saints in mid-May. After this date you can also sow your white cabbage directly into the bed.
Freeze white cabbage
White cabbage can be easily frozen, raw, blanched or prepared. To do this, clean your cabbage thoroughly, cut it into strips or grate it and, ideally, blanch it briefly in hot water. This reduces the volume. Allow your cabbage to cool and then place it in a freezer bag or other airtight container. Here you can find out other storage options for your white cabbage.
Tip
In this overview you will find out when to sow and harvest which type of white cabbage.