One of the first to be ready for harvest, Durham Early cabbage plants are among the favorite and
most reliable of early season cabbage heads. First cultivated as the York
cabbage in the 1930’s, there is no available record of why the name changed.
When to Plant Durham Early Cabbage
Set out cabbage plants four weeks before you expect your
last frost in spring. For a fall crop, plant six to eight weeks before the
first frost is expected. Cabbage
is a cool season crop and the Durham Early variety is one of the hardiest.
Cabbage needs steady growth to be ready for harvest before hot temperatures
arrive.
You may also grow from seed. Start seeds indoors, allowing
six weeks for development and adjusting to the cold before planting into the
garden. You may sprout seeds outside if you have a protected area. The Durham
Early variety gets even sweeter with a touch of frost but must be accustomed to
the cold. Plant early enough in your area so they experience some cold.
Prepare beds ahead of planting. You may plant cabbage in a
trench or in rows. Check the soil pH and add lime if necessary, working in thoroughly.
Cabbage needs a soil pH of 6.5-6.8 for best results. Cabbage does not grow well
in acidic soil. Take a soil test and send to your local county extension office, if you don’t know the soil pH.
Add rotted manure or compost. Soil should be fast draining.
Planting Early Durham Cabbage
Plant Durham Early cabbage on a cloudy day. Put your plants 12 to 24 inches (30.5-61 cm.) apart when planting. When growing Durham Early cabbage, it needs plenty of room to grow. You’ll be rewarded by large, tasty heads. Cabbage needs at least six hours of sun daily and more is better.
Mulch after planting to retain moisture and keep the soil
temperature regulated. Some use black plastic underneath to warm the soil and
encourage root growth. Both the plastic and the mulch decrease weed growth.
Consistent watering helps your cabbage heads develop
properly. Water regularly, about two inches (5 cm.) per week and remember to
fertilize. Cabbage plants are heavy feeders. Begin their weekly feedings three
weeks after planting.
It is likely that you won’t be planting other crops at the
same time as cabbage, but don’t plant other vegetables in the cabbage patch
before harvesting. Other plants will compete for nutrients needed by Durham
Early except for peas,
cucumbers,
or nasturtiums
to assist with pest control.
Harvest only when you’ve tested to make sure the cabbage
head is solid all the way through. Enjoy your Durham Early cabbage.
To learn more of the history of this plant, search York
cabbage for an interesting story.
One of the first to be ready for harvest, Durham Early cabbage plants are among the favorite and
most reliable of early season cabbage heads. First cultivated as the York
cabbage in the 1930’s, there is no available record of why the name changed.
When to Plant Durham Early Cabbage
Set out cabbage plants four weeks before you expect your
last frost in spring. For a fall crop, plant six to eight weeks before the
first frost is expected. Cabbage
is a cool season crop and the Durham Early variety is one of the hardiest.
Cabbage needs steady growth to be ready for harvest before hot temperatures
arrive.
You may also grow from seed. Start seeds indoors, allowing
six weeks for development and adjusting to the cold before planting into the
garden. You may sprout seeds outside if you have a protected area. The Durham
Early variety gets even sweeter with a touch of frost but must be accustomed to
the cold. Plant early enough in your area so they experience some cold.
Prepare beds ahead of planting. You may plant cabbage in a
trench or in rows. Check the soil pH and add lime if necessary, working in thoroughly.
Cabbage needs a soil pH of 6.5-6.8 for best results. Cabbage does not grow well
in acidic soil. Take a soil test and send to your local county extension office, if you don’t know the soil pH.
Add rotted manure or compost. Soil should be fast draining.
Planting Early Durham Cabbage
Plant Durham Early cabbage on a cloudy day. Put your plants 12 to 24 inches (30.5-61 cm.) apart when planting. When growing Durham Early cabbage, it needs plenty of room to grow. You’ll be rewarded by large, tasty heads. Cabbage needs at least six hours of sun daily and more is better.
Mulch after planting to retain moisture and keep the soil
temperature regulated. Some use black plastic underneath to warm the soil and
encourage root growth. Both the plastic and the mulch decrease weed growth.
Consistent watering helps your cabbage heads develop
properly. Water regularly, about two inches (5 cm.) per week and remember to
fertilize. Cabbage plants are heavy feeders. Begin their weekly feedings three
weeks after planting.
It is likely that you won’t be planting other crops at the
same time as cabbage, but don’t plant other vegetables in the cabbage patch
before harvesting. Other plants will compete for nutrients needed by Durham
Early except for peas,
cucumbers,
or nasturtiums
to assist with pest control.
Harvest only when you’ve tested to make sure the cabbage
head is solid all the way through. Enjoy your Durham Early cabbage.
To learn more of the history of this plant, search York
cabbage for an interesting story.