Plant spacing affects head size. Cabbage is harvested when it reaches adequate size, depending on variety and growing conditions. Firm heads are preferred, especially for storage. Plant six weeks before the last hard freeze date. Many varieties are available, and two or three varieties provide harvest over a long period.
Hardened plants are tolerant of frost and can be among the earliest planted garden vegetables.
Late cabbage must be started during the heat of midsummer, but it develops its main head during the cool weather of fall. It may be transplanted or seeded directly in the garden. Green cabbage is generally preferred to the red or savoy types, but red cabbage is becoming increasingly popular for color in salads and cooked dishes. The savoy varieties are grown for slaw and salads. The later-maturing varieties usually grow large heads and are more suitable for making sauerkraut than the earlier varieties.