Red Express Cabbage lives up to its name as the earliest red cabbage available, racing to maturity in just 63 days with stunning purple heads. This compact variety was specifically bred for northern climates and excels in zones 2-10, producing dense 2-4 pound heads that pack remarkable uniformity and color into a space-saving 8-12 inch package. The amazing purple hue and tight formation make it a standout performer whether you're growing in cool spring conditions or planning succession plantings.
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
12 in
Width
18 in
Spacing
60–69
Days to Harvest
PeriodPerennial
TypeForb/herb
Plant Profile
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
Moderate
Zones
2-10
Size
18in H x 12in W
Growth
Perennial
Care
High
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Highlights
What sets Red Express apart is its exceptional speed combined with remarkable uniformity and that striking purple coloration that impressed growers in extensive trials. This medium-sized cabbage breaks the mold by allowing much closer spacing than traditional varieties, making it perfect for intensive home gardening. The dense, compact heads deliver restaurant-quality appearance while maturing weeks ahead of standard red cabbages, giving northern gardeners a reliable early harvest even in challenging climates.
Common Uses
Red Express shines in fresh applications where its vibrant purple color and crisp texture take center stage. The 2-4 pound heads are perfectly sized for bright coleslaw, adding both color and crunch to salad mixes, and quick stir-fry preparations where the purple hue creates visual drama. This variety also excels in homemade sauerkraut production, where its dense structure and rich color create an exceptional fermented product.
Growing Timeline
First Bloom
N/a
First Harvest
Mid-summer
Last Harvest
Early Fall
Care Instructions
Start Indoors
Start seeds indoors 6 weeks before the last frost date for transplanting 4 weeks later. This gives Red Express the head start it needs for optimal early season production.
Transplant Outdoors
Transplant seedlings outdoors 4 weeks after starting, spacing them 12-18 inches apart in rows. Ensure soil is workable and weather conditions are suitable for cool-season growth.
Direct Sow
Direct sow under protection in early March, with potential for a second planting in early April for succession harvests. The variety's cold tolerance makes early direct seeding possible in protected environments.
Harvesting
Harvest Red Express at 63 days when heads feel firm and dense with deep purple coloration fully developed. The compact 2-4 pound heads should feel solid when gently squeezed, indicating proper maturity and storage quality. Cut heads at the base, leaving outer leaves if you want smaller secondary heads to potentially develop.
Growing Calendar
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Companion Planting
Ecology & Traits
Edible
Scientific Classification
Brassica oleracea L.
Family
Brassicaceae
Genus
Brassica
Duration
Perennial
Native Status
L48 (I)PR (I)CAN (W)GL (W)