Seeds White cabbage Holland Late Winter - Brassica oleracea var. capitata f. alba

White cabbage Holland Late Winter – Brassica oleracea

Introduction

The White cabbage Holland Late Winter is a late-season variety known for its firm, compact heads, ideal for long-term storage and making sauerkraut. With its robustness and excellent winter performance, it is a classic in traditional kitchen gardens.

Origin and history

Named after Langedijk, a Dutch village once famed for its vegetable farming. The cabbages were cultivated along canals, benefiting from fertile, well-watered soils. This variety spread through Europe for its storage qualities and culinary reputation.

Botanical description

• Family: Brassicaceae

• Type: late-season white cabbage

• Leaves: light green to creamy white, smooth and firm

• Head: round, dense, up to 25 cm in diameter

• Height: 30 to 50 cm

• Average weight: 2 to 4 kg

Growing conditions

• Sowing time: April to May in trays or nursery beds

• Transplanting: after 4–6 weeks

• Sowing depth: 1 to 1.5 cm

• Spacing: 60 x 60 cm

• Light: full sun

• Soil: rich, deep, well-drained, humus-rich

• Water needs: regular watering, avoid excess

Care

• Hoe regularly to suppress weeds

• Mulch to retain soil moisture

• Add compost during planting and mid-season

• Watch for caterpillars and flea beetles

Harvest

• Timing: late September to November

• Maturity: 160–180 days after sowing

• Storage: in a cool cellar or clamp, up to 4 months

• Use: fresh or fermented

Use in the garden

• Large plant, needs ample space

• Rotate crops every 4 years

• Can be harvested after light frosts

Culinary uses

• Ideal for homemade sauerkraut

• Retains firmness when cooked (stews, soups, stuffed cabbage)

• Raw in salads or coleslaw

• Crunchy, sweet, fresh flavour

Pests and diseases

• Prone to clubroot in acidic soil

• May attract caterpillars, flea beetles, or mildew

• Rotate and use insect netting

Special features

• Cold-hardy and long-lasting

• Naturally stores without refrigeration

• High yields

This White cabbage from the Netherlands is a must for gardeners who value tradition, preservation, and flavour. A solid winter classic.