Glory of Enkhuizen stands as a testament to Dutch breeding excellence, introduced in 1899 by Sluis & Groot in the historic Dutch city of Enkhuizen. This remarkable heirloom produces medium-large, hard, round heads weighing 6-10 pounds in approximately 90 days, though some sources report up to 99 days depending on conditions. Thriving in zones 2-10 with full sun exposure, this blue-green beauty has earned its reputation as an exceptional keeper and superior choice for sauerkraut making.
Photo © True Leaf Market
Growing Conditions
USDA Zone
2-10
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
Moderate
Soil
Well-drained, Fertile Loam With Consistent Moisture
Preferred Temp60-75°F
Growth Stats
18 in
Height
—
Width
18 in
Spacing
90–90
Days to Harvest
PeriodPerennial
TypeForb/herb
Plant Profile
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
Moderate
Zones
2-10
Size
18in H x ?in W
Growth
Perennial
Care
Moderate
Hover over chart points for details
Highlights
What sets Glory of Enkhuizen apart is its perfect marriage of productivity and storage quality, developed through careful crossing of 'Glückstadter' and 'Ditmarscher' varieties specifically for market and shipping excellence. The substantial 8-12 inch heads develop their characteristic blue-green coloring and dense, firm texture that makes them ideal for both fresh eating and fermentation. This frost-hardy variety performs beautifully in both spring and fall gardens, adapting to temperatures from 50-75°F while maintaining its reputation as a reliable producer across diverse growing conditions.
Common Uses
This versatile cabbage excels across the culinary spectrum, from fresh preparations like slaws and salads to hearty applications in soups and stir-fries. Its dense, firm texture and excellent keeping qualities make it particularly valuable for fermented foods, especially traditional sauerkraut and modern kimchi preparations. The substantial heads also store beautifully for months when properly cured, making them ideal for winter cooking when fresh vegetables are scarce.
Growing Timeline
First Bloom
N/a (Non-flowering Plant In The First Year)
First Harvest
Early To Mid-fall
Last Harvest
Late Fall
Care Instructions
Start Indoors
Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost date for spring harvest, or in late spring to early summer for fall crops. Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in high-quality seed-starting mix, maintaining consistent moisture and warmth until germination occurs in 7-10 days. Once seedlings develop 2-3 true leaves, begin hardening off before transplanting.
Transplant Outdoors
Transplant hardened seedlings outdoors when soil temperatures reach 50°F, spacing plants 18-20 inches apart. For fall harvests, transplant in late summer about 6-8 weeks before first expected frost. Ensure soil is well-prepared and fertile before transplanting.
Direct Sow
Direct sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in well-prepared soil from late summer to early spring, depending on harvest timing. Thin seedlings to proper 18-20 inch spacing once they emerge and establish.
Harvesting
Harvest when heads are firm and have reached 8-12 inches in diameter, typically weighing 6-10 pounds after about 90 days. Cut at the base with a sharp knife when heads feel solid and dense. Harvest before heads begin to split, which can occur if left too long in the garden, especially during warm weather or irregular watering.
Growing Calendar
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Companion Planting
Pests & Diseases
Ecology & Traits
Edible
Scientific Classification
Brassica oleracea L.
Family
Brassicaceae
Genus
Brassica
Duration
Perennial
Growth Habit
Upright
Native Status
L48 (I)PR (I)CAN (W)GL (W)
History & Origin
“Glory of Enkhuizen carries the proud legacy of Dutch horticultural innovation, first introduced in 1899 by the prestigious Sluis & Groot seed company in Enkhuizen, Holland. This variety emerged from the deliberate crossing of two established German cabbages, 'Glückstadter' and 'Ditmarscher,' with selections focused on superior market quality and shipping durability. The variety made its way to American gardens through an interesting route, arriving from Denmark in 1939 and receiving the Plant Introduction number 132238 from the United States Department of Agriculture. This careful documentation by the USDA reflects the variety's recognized value and the systematic efforts to preserve important agricultural genetics for future generations.”