Description
A Mid-Season Favorite
The Charleston WAK Cabbage is categorized as a mid-season cabbage, reaching maturity around the midpoint of the growing season. Specifically, it takes about 70-80 days from planting to harvest. This makes it an excellent option for gardeners who want to stagger their plantings to ensure a continuous harvest throughout the growing season. As a mid-season cabbage, it’s perfect for those looking for a reliable, mid-to-late harvest crop.
This cabbage’s ability to thrive in various climates and growing conditions further adds to its popularity. Whether growing in a home garden, a larger farm, or raised beds, Charleston WAK provides dependable results with compact and flavorful heads.
- Days to Maturity - 70-80 Days
- Fruit / Blossom Size - 7in
- Head Weight - 4-6lbs
Compact, Pointed Heads with Sweet Hearts
One of the most appealing characteristics of Charleston WAK cabbage is its compact size and distinctive shape. The heads are dark green and pointed, giving them a unique appearance compared to more common round-headed varieties. The heads typically grow to around 7 inches in diameter, making them manageable for handling and cooking.
Inside the dark green leaves, the cabbage reveals sweet-tasting hearts perfect for various culinary uses. Whether you want to add them to salads, stir-fries, soups, or traditional dishes like coleslaw or cabbage rolls, the Charleston WAK delivers exceptional flavor that will elevate any recipe. Its sweetness also makes it a favorite for fermenting into sauerkraut, a great way to preserve its taste for later use.
Ideal for Long-Term Storage
One of the standout features of Charleston WAK cabbage is its excellent storage capabilities. Once harvested, the cabbage heads store exceptionally well, retaining their flavor and texture for extended periods. This makes it an ideal variety for those who want to grow in bulk and store the cabbage for later use during winter or when fresh produce is not readily available.
Because of its robust storage abilities, Charleston WAK is a practical choice for home gardeners who want to reduce food waste while keeping a healthy supply of nutritious vegetables on hand. You can taste freshly harvested cabbage long after the growing season with proper care and storage.
Growth and Maturity
Days to Maturity: 70-80 Days
The Charleston WAK cabbage matures within 70-80 days from planting, making it an excellent mid-season crop. Once mature, the cabbage can be harvested and enjoyed immediately or stored for later use. Monitoring the heads as they approach full maturity is essential to ensure they are harvested at the right time for maximum flavor and storage potential.
Head Size and Weight
Charleston WAK cabbage heads grow to approximately 7 inches in diameter, producing a dense and compact head. The head weight typically falls between 4 and 6 pounds, providing a substantial yield per plant. This medium-sized head makes it easy to handle, cook, and store, making it a versatile choice for home and commercial growers.
Growing Conditions and Care
Charleston WAK cabbage thrives in full sun and well-draining soil, making it suitable for various growing conditions. To provide the plants with the necessary nutrients for optimal growth, it’s recommended to prepare the soil with organic matter or compost before planting. The seeds should be sown in early spring or late summer, depending on the growing season and climate.
When planting, space the seeds about 12-18 inches apart to allow enough room for the cabbage heads to form and develop properly. Regular watering, especially during dry spells, is important to ensure the heads remain compact and sweet-tasting.
Pests such as cabbage worms and aphids can threaten cabbage plants, so monitoring for signs of damage is crucial. Organic pest control methods, such as introducing beneficial insects or using row covers, can help protect your crops without the use of harmful chemicals.
Versatile Culinary Uses
Charleston WAK cabbage is not only known for its excellent growth and storage capabilities—it’s also highly versatile in the kitchen. Its sweethearts make it a perfect addition to a wide variety of dishes, from fresh salads and slaws to hearty soups and stews. This cabbage adds a satisfying crunch and sweet flavor to any meal.
It’s also ideal for steaming, stir-frying, or roasting, allowing you to enjoy it in multiple forms. Additionally, its slightly sweet flavor profile makes it a great candidate for fermentation, such as in homemade sauerkraut or kimchi, which can further extend its shelf life.
Final Thoughts
Cabbage, Charleston WAK is a reliable and flavorful mid-season cabbage variety that offers numerous benefits for home gardeners and commercial growers. Its compact, pointed heads with sweet-tasting hearts are perfect for a wide range of culinary uses, while its excellent storage properties make it an ideal choice for those who want to enjoy cabbage well beyond the growing season.
With a short maturity period of 70-80 days and a head size of 4-6 pounds, Charleston WAK provides a bountiful and versatile crop that will become a staple in any garden.
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