This commanding heirloom cabbage from 1887 grows into massive 8-10 inch blue-green heads that are perfect for serious sauerkraut makers and cold storage enthusiasts. Danish Ballhead thrives across zones 2-10, taking about 110 days to develop its characteristically dense, sweet heads that can store for months when properly cured. These aren't delicate spring cabbages but robust late-season workhorses that grow slowly all summer before reaching their full glory in fall.
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
24 in
Height
10 in
Width
24 in
Spacing
110–110
Days to Harvest
PeriodPerennial
TypeForb/herb
Plant Profile
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
Moderate
Zones
2-10
Size
24in H x 10in W
Growth
Perennial
Care
Moderate
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Highlights
Danish Ballhead cabbages are the heavyweight champions of the cabbage world, producing substantial heads with exceptionally sweet, delicate flavor that intensifies during long storage. Their remarkable keeping ability sets them apart from other varieties, with properly harvested heads storing up to four months when hung root-intact in cool basements. The dense, firm heads are specifically bred for sauerkraut production, yielding abundant leaves perfect for fermentation projects.
Common Uses
Danish Ballhead excels in sauerkraut production, providing the substantial volume of leaves needed for large fermentation batches. The sweet, delicate flavor also makes these heads excellent for fresh eating, coleslaw, and traditional cabbage dishes. Their dense structure holds up well in long-cooking preparations like braised cabbage and stuffed cabbage rolls.
Growing Timeline
First Bloom
N/a
First Harvest
Late Summer
Last Harvest
Early Winter
Care Instructions
Start Indoors
Start seeds indoors in mid-June for fall harvest, sowing in fertile soil with good drainage.
Transplant Outdoors
Transplant seedlings 3-4 weeks after starting, spacing them 24 inches apart. Harden off seedlings over a week before transplanting for best results.
Direct Sow
Seeds can be direct sown outdoors if climate is warm enough and no frost threat exists.
Harvesting
Harvest when heads are firm and approximately 8 inches in diameter, typically after 110 days. Pull the entire plant including roots and stem rather than cutting just the head, as this allows for optimal storage. The blue-green heads should feel dense and solid when ready.
Growing Calendar
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Companion Planting
Ecology & Traits
Edible
Scientific Classification
Brassica oleracea L.
Family
Brassicaceae
Genus
Brassica
Duration
Perennial
Growth Habit
Spreading
Native Status
L48 (I)PR (I)CAN (W)GL (W)
History & Origin
“Danish Ballhead emerged in 1887 as an heirloom variety specifically developed for its superior storage capabilities and sauerkraut-making qualities. This cultivar represents the intersection of European cabbage breeding traditions and practical food preservation needs, created during an era when long-term storage was essential for winter sustenance. The variety has been carefully preserved by seed savers who recognized its unique combination of size, sweetness, and exceptional keeping ability.”