Ruby Perfection Cabbage is an F1 hybrid red cabbage bred for storage and fall harvests, reaching full maturity in 85 days from transplant. Its compact growth habit makes it well-suited to home gardens across all hardiness zones (1-10), while its frost-hardy nature means it actually sweetens as temperatures cool. This is a cabbage built to last, with heads that store exceptionally well through winter when kept at cool temperatures and high humidity.
—
Moderate
1-10
?in H x ?in W
—
High
Hover over chart points for details
Ruby Perfection delivers the rare combination of ornamental deep-red color and serious storage longevity. Compact plants produce medium-sized heads that pack tight enough for long-term storage without taking up excessive garden space. The frost tolerance is a genuine advantage for fall gardeners, since the plant improves in flavor as temperatures drop toward harvest, making it worth timing specifically for autumn crops rather than spring planting.
Ruby Perfection cabbage is primarily grown for fresh use and storage. The deep-red color makes it striking in slaws, salads, and fermented preparations like sauerkraut, where the pigment holds well through preservation. Its storage capability means home gardeners can harvest in fall and maintain supply through winter months.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Sow seeds indoors 1/4 inch deep in 50- or 72-cell plug flats, or use 20-row flats with 3-4 seeds per inch. Maintain soil temperature above 75°F until germination occurs, then reduce air temperature to approximately 60°F. Seedlings will be ready to transplant outdoors in 4-6 weeks.
Transplant seedlings outdoors 4-6 weeks after sowing, spacing them 12-18 inches apart in rows 18-36 inches apart. Ruby Perfection is frost-hardy, so it can tolerate light frosts, making it especially valuable for fall plantings timed to mature as temperatures cool.
Ruby Perfection matures in approximately 85 days from transplant. Harvest heads when they feel firm and dense to the touch, while still in active growth and before they fully mature, as younger heads store significantly better than fully mature ones. Cut the head cleanly from the base with a sharp knife, ensuring you harvest only disease-free specimens for storage.
Enter your ZIP code to see a personalized growing calendar for this plant.