Red Acre cabbage adds beautiful color and sweetness to stir-fry, sauerkraut and coleslaw. This variety is firm, compact and perfect for small garden spaces (you can even grow them in containers). The heads are resistant to splitting and yellows disease, making them a low-maintenance crop.
Red Acre stores well in a refrigerator or cellar.
Direct sow seeds in the garden 4-6 weeks before the last frost for a summer crop, or 10-12 weeks before the first frost for a fall crop. You can also start seeds indoors 6- 8 weeks before the average last frost date and transplant to the garden 2-4 weeks before the last frost. Seedlings should be planted in rows 2-3' apart.
Red Acre can be harvested when heads are 5-7" in diameter and weigh between 2-4 lbs. Once cabbage heads are firm, harvest in the morning by cutting heads from the base of the plant with a sharp knife. If harvesting during the day, dunk the heads in ice water and allow them to fully dry before storing to prevent field heat damage.
Leave a head of cabbage in the garden in autumn. Once it ripens and temperatures dip below 40ºF, dig up the entire plant and store it over the winter in moist sand at a temperature of 40ºF. Replant 4-6 weeks before the last spring frost. If the head is still firm, cut a deep X in the top to provide an easier exit for the stem. The stem will grow 4-5 ' tall, with many yellow flowers. Allow flowers to mature, then pick seed pods and dry them indoors. Once they dry, crack the pods open with your hands and store seeds in a cool, dry place for up to 5 years.