Knowing when to harvest your cabbage is crucial in order to achieve the best taste and texture. Here are some tips on how to tell when your cabbage is ready to be harvested:
Size and maturity: Cabbage plants typically take around 60-90 days to reach maturity, depending on the variety. A mature cabbage head should be firm and compact, and typically reach 6-8 inches in diameter.
Color: The color of the head should be a deep green and should not have any yellow or brown discoloration.
Leaves: The leaves should be tightly wrapped around the head and should not be wilted or yellowing.
Touch test: A good way to tell if a cabbage is ready to harvest is to gently press the head with your thumb. If it feels firm and does not yield to pressure, it’s ready to be picked.
Time of year: Keep in mind that cabbage is a cool-season crop, so it’s best to harvest it before the weather gets too hot. Cabbage that’s been left on the plant for too long during hot weather can become tough and bitter.
It’s important to note that once the cabbage is harvested, it will no longer continue to grow, so it’s important to harvest at the right time. It’s also important to harvest the cabbage heads by cutting them off the stem rather than pulling them off, as this can damage the stem and make it harder for the remaining leaves to photosynthesize and produce food for the plant.
By keeping an eye on the size, color, leaves and touch test of the cabbage head, you can be sure that you’re harvesting your cabbage at the perfect time for the best taste and texture.
