Cabbage (Brassica oleracea (Capitata Group) 'Ruby Perfection')

Overview

Brassica oleracea (Capitata Group) ‘Ruby Perfection’ is a stunning F-1 hybrid red Cabbage treasured for its ability to inject vibrant color into cool-season vegetable gardens. This variety of Cabbage matures quickly, forming dense, 3-4 pound heads in approximately 80 days. It is functionally the same species as kale and broccoli, making it genetically versatile in the garden.

As a cool-weather crop, Cabbage thrives when planted for either early spring harvest or a substantial fall yield. Its dense leaves—deeply pigmented red—are highly sought after for culinary uses, lending excellent aesthetic appeal to raw slaws and cooked dishes alike. Gardeners appreciate the low maintenance required for Brassica oleracea (Capitata Group) ‘Ruby Perfection’ when its cool-temperature needs are met.

Producing uniform heads up to two feet tall and wide, this biennial is best treated as an annual for optimal head production. Planting Brassica oleracea (Capitata Group) ‘Ruby Perfection’ ensures a rewarding harvest of crisp, richly colored Brassica oleracea (Capitata Group) ‘Ruby Perfection’ Cabbage, provided you manage the heat fluctuations common in summer.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Brassicaceae
• Plant Type: Annual
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 2-11
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 1-2 ft
  • Spread: 1.5-3 ft
• Bloom Time: Flowers not showy
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Water Needs: Medium
• Maintenance Level: Low

How to Grow

Successfully growing Cabbage, especially the striking Brassica oleracea (Capitata Group) ‘Ruby Perfection’, hinges on consistent cool temperatures. Plant Cabbage in organically rich, consistently moist, well-drained loams. Choose a location that receives full sun for the best development of dense heads. Plants perform poorly when daytime temperatures consistently exceed 80 degrees F, indicating an ideal planting window is early spring or late summer for fall harvest.

For spring crops, start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your area’s last frost date, or sow directly outdoors about four weeks prior. Transplants can be set out 1-2 weeks before the expected last frost. If aiming for a fall harvest of your Cabbage, sow seeds indoors around July 1st and transplant seedlings outdoors in mid-August.

Maintain consistent moisture levels; shallow roots benefit greatly from an inch or two of mulch applied around the base to suppress weeds and retain soil water. Space transplants approximately 12-18 inches apart in rows set 2 feet apart. Once the heads of your Brassica oleracea (Capitata Group) ‘Ruby Perfection’ feel firm to the touch, they are ready for harvest. Always rotate crops annually to mitigate the risk of soil-borne diseases.

Landscape Uses

While primarily cultivated as a high-value vegetable, the deep, saturated color of the Brassica oleracea (Capitata Group) ‘Ruby Perfection’ Cabbage makes it an excellent addition to edible landscapes or ornamental borders. The uniform structure and intense coloration provide excellent contrast against lighter green foliage or vibrant annual flowers.

Consider using these plants in defined square-foot garden beds where their structure can be appreciated up close. They pair well with silvery herbs or late-season flowers like ornamental kale, which shares similar cultural needs. This Red Cabbage can break up monotonous green rows in the vegetable garden or serve as a temporary, colorful annual accent in mixed containers.

Standout Features

Noteworthy Characteristics

Brassica oleracea (Capitata Group), commonly known as cabbage, is a cool weather vegetable that is grown for harvest of its edible leaves. It is a biennial that is grown in St. Louis as an annual. It produces a dense 3-4 pound head of cabbage in 80 days during the first year of its biennial life, and the ‘Ruby Perfection’ F-1 hybrid is particularly renowned for its reliable, firm, 3-4 pound red heads. The brilliant color of this Cabbage makes it an attractive addition to cooked foods, slaws, and salads, offering visual appeal alongside its crisp texture.

Tolerances

• Potential insect problems include cabbageworms, cabbage loopers, flea beetles, caterpillars, thrips, slugs and aphids.

Potential Problems

Protecting your crop from common pests is crucial for a successful Cabbage harvest. Potential insect problems include cabbageworms, cabbage loopers, flea beetles, caterpillars, thrips, slugs, and aphids. Root maggots can also pose a significant threat in certain soil types common to established vegetable plots.

Management should be preventative, stemming from good sanitation practices and crop rotation to avoid diseases like blackleg, black rot, and yellows. Regular scouting for early signs of infestation allows for quick intervention against common caterpillars and beetles before the plant structure is compromised.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Cabbage suitable for?

This Cabbage variety is reliably hardy across a wide range, suitable for growing in USDA Zones 2 through 11.

How large does Brassica oleracea (Capitata Group) ‘Ruby Perfection’ grow?

This plant typically reaches a mature height between 1 and 2 feet tall and spreads outward between 1.5 and 3 feet in width, forming dense, attractive heads.

What sun exposure does Cabbage need?

For optimal head formation and color saturation on Brassica oleracea (Capitata Group) ‘Ruby Perfection’, the plant requires full sun exposure throughout its growing season.

When does Cabbage bloom?

This specific cultivar is grown for its edible foliage and heads; the flowers produced are not considered showy or ornamental.

Conclusion

The Brassica oleracea (Capitata Group) ‘Ruby Perfection’ Cabbage offers gardeners a low-maintenance, highly rewarding harvest characterized by beautiful color and crisp texture. Ensure you provide the necessary cool temperatures and consistent moisture to maximize the development of firm red heads. Check your local frost dates and plan your sowing schedule early to enjoy this fantastic Cabbage this season.

Companion Planting

Cabbage thrives when planted near herbs that can confuse pests. Good companions for managing pests affecting Brassica oleracea (Capitata Group) ‘Ruby Perfection’ include dill, rosemary, and sage, which can help deter flea beetles and cabbage worms. Avoid planting Cabbage near strawberries or tomatoes, as these can compete for nutrients or suffer from similar soil-borne issues when grown in close succession.

Seasonal Care Calendar

For spring plantings, focus on steady moisture management as the heads begin to form during warming spring weather. Ensure plants receive consistent water during May and June. For fall crops, the primary care activity is succession sowing in mid-summer. Begin applying protective mulch early in the season to keep the shallow Cabbage roots cool and conserve the medium water needs throughout the summer months before the main fall maturation period.