Conehead Cabbage
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Early Jersey Wakefield carries the remarkable story of becoming America's most beloved early cabbage by 1888, just decades after arriving from England in 1840. This compact heirloom forms distinctive pointed, conical heads weighing 2-4 pounds in just 60 days from transplant, though some sources report 63-75 days. Hardy across zones 2-10, it thrives in cool weather and resists splitting, making it perfect for early spring harvests when fresh vegetables are most precious.
Full Sun
Moderate
2-10
18in H x 24in W
Perennial
High
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This variety made gardening history as the "best early cabbage in cultivation" according to Peter Henderson in 1895, carried by 166 seed companies by 1901. The compact plants reach just 12-18 inches tall but produce solid, conical heads with excellent flavor and remarkable reliability. Unlike many historical varieties that faded into obscurity, Early Jersey Wakefield remains a principal American cabbage variety today, testament to its exceptional performance in home gardens.
The sweet, flavorful heads excel in fresh preparations like slaws and salads, while their compact size and solid texture make them ideal for soups and cooking. The conical shape and dense leaves provide excellent structure for both raw and cooked applications, making this variety particularly valuable for early season meals when fresh produce is scarce.
Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in soil blocks or seed trays 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost date. Maintain soil temperature between 50-75°F for germination, which typically occurs in 7-10 days. For earliest crops, start seeds under protection in early March, with possible second sowings in early April.
Transplant 4-6 week old seedlings to the field in mid-April when all risk of hard frost has passed, spacing them 18 inches apart. Ensure soil temperature is consistently above 50°F for best establishment.
Seeds can be direct sown in the garden 1/4 inch deep, then thinned to proper spacing after emergence.
Harvest when heads feel firm and solid, typically 60 days from transplanting though some sources indicate 63-75 days. The conical heads should be compact and well-formed, weighing 2-4 pounds when mature. Cut at the base with a sharp knife, leaving outer leaves if desired for potential secondary head formation.
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“Early Jersey Wakefield was first brought from England to Jersey City by Francis Brill in 1840, quickly earning its American name. The variety appeared in seed catalogs around 1872 and experienced a meteoric rise to fame that surpassed even other popular varieties of the time. By 1888, it had become the most popular early cabbage in American gardens. Peter Henderson's company commercially released it in 1868, and by 1901, an astounding 166 seed companies were carrying this variety. Its enduring popularity speaks to remarkable adaptability and performance, as the USDA still lists Early Jersey Wakefield among principal American cabbage varieties today.”