Cabbage (Brassica oleracea (Capitata Group) 'Frigga')

Overview

Brassica oleracea (Capitata Group) ‘Frigga’ is a prized cool-weather vegetable cultivated for its dense, edible leaves, commonly known as Cabbage. This specific cultivar belongs to the Savoy group, characterized by attractively wrinkled and blistered leaf surfaces that curl tightly around the core, making it visually distinct from smooth-leaf varieties. As a biennial grown as an annual, this Cabbage matures quickly, often forming 2-4 pound heads in about 80 days.

This easily grown vegetable thrives when provided with consistently moist soil and ample sun, performing best during cooler spring or fall temperatures. Gardeners appreciate this strain of Cabbage not only for its excellent culinary qualities—ideal for slaws, salads, and cooked dishes—but also for the interesting texture it adds to vegetable plots. Successfully cultivating Brassica oleracea (Capitata Group) ‘Frigga’ depends heavily on timing plantings to avoid high summer heat.

The genus name honors the classical Latin term for cabbage, while the ‘Frigga’ designation highlights its affinity for cold. Enjoying low maintenance, this Cabbage variety rewards patient gardeners with flavorful harvests, provided pest and disease pressures common to the Brassicaceae family are monitored.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Brassicaceae
• Plant Type: Annual
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 2-11
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 1-2 ft
  • Spread: 1-2 ft
• Bloom Time: Rarely flowers
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Water Needs: Medium
• Maintenance Level: Low

How to Grow

Brassica oleracea (Capitata Group) ‘Frigga’ requires organically rich, consistently moist, well-drained loams. Cabbage production peaks during cool weather; daytime temperatures consistently exceeding 80 degrees F generally impede proper head formation. For spring crops, start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last spring frost or direct-sow outdoors about 4 weeks prior. Alternatively, purchase healthy transplants and set them into the garden 1-2 weeks before the expected last frost date.

For a reliable fall harvest of this Cabbage, sow seeds indoors around July 1st, planting the resulting seedlings outdoors in mid-August, or sow directly into the garden in early to mid-July. Space transplants 12-18 inches apart within rows that are set 2 feet apart to allow sufficient room for heads to fully develop. Consistent moisture is vital; apply mulch around the base of your plants to protect shallow roots, suppress weeds, and retain crucial soil hydration.

Harvest your Brassica oleracea (Capitata Group) ‘Frigga’ once the heads feel firm to the touch. To minimize the risk of soil-borne diseases, always practice strict crop rotation, avoiding planting Cabbage or related vegetables (like kale or broccoli) in the same spot year after year.

Landscape Uses

While primarily grown for consumption in vegetable gardens, the rich, strongly textured foliage of Brassica oleracea (Capitata Group) ‘Frigga’ offers unique aesthetic value. The wrinkled green leaves of this Savoy Cabbage provide outstanding textural contrast when positioned near smooth, fine-textured annuals or perennials bordering pathways or edible landscapes.

Consider planting this Cabbage in dedicated kitchen garden areas where its functional purpose is celebrated alongside its visual contribution. Because it mandates cool weather, it works well as a temporary seasonal anchor plant alongside early spring bloomers before the summer heat forces it out. The uniform size—growing to about 1-2 feet wide—allows for organized hedging or uniform planting within raised beds.

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. ‘Frigga’ specifically is a Savoy cabbage, producing 2-4 pound heads characterized by loose, wavy-edged leaves with attractively wrinkled and blistered surfaces. This Cabbage is closely related to broccoli and kale and excels when used in slaws, salads, and cooked applications.

Potential Problems

Potential insect problems that target Brassica oleracea (Capitata Group) ‘Frigga’ include cabbageworms, cabbage loopers, flea beetles, caterpillars, thrips, slugs, and aphids. Root maggots can also cause severe damage in localized areas. Growers should also monitor the planting for signs of common fungal or bacterial issues like leaf spots, blackleg, black rot, and yellows. Employ row covers early in the season to exclude flying insect pests and diligently rotate your crops annually to reduce pathogen buildup in the soil.

Companion Planting

Selecting proper companions helps manage pests and optimize the growth of your Cabbage patch. Brassica oleracea (Capitata Group) ‘Frigga’ benefits greatly from being planted near aromatic herbs that can mask its scent from pests like the cabbage worm. Dill, rosemary, and mint are excellent choices to interplant between rows of Cabbage.

Conversely, avoid planting Brassica near members of its own family (e.g., tomatoes, peppers, or strawberries) due to shared vulnerability to pests and similar nutrient demands. The low-growing, dense nature of a mature Cabbage head means it can also benefit from companions that utilize the space around its base, such as low-growing herbs or lettuce varieties that enjoy partial afternoon shade as summer approaches.

Hardiness and Climate Suitability

Understanding the hardiness of Brassica oleracea (Capitata Group) ‘Frigga’ is key to successful cultivation, as it strongly prefers cool temperatures. This Cabbage variety is remarkably resilient, tolerating USDA Hardiness Zones 2 through 11, which covers nearly the entire spectrum of North American climates. This robustness is generally attributed to its biennial life cycle, which naturally pushes it toward cool-season growth.

However, gardeners must respect the temperature sensitivity of the heading process. Even in the cooler zones it can tolerate, planting must be timed so that the critical heading phase occurs when daytime temperatures are reliably below 80°F. If sustained high heat intervenes, the plant will bolt or produce loose, unmarketable heads rather than the desired firm Brassica oleracea (Capitata Group) ‘Frigga’ structure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Cabbage suitable for?

Brassica oleracea (Capitata Group) ‘Frigga’ is suitable for a very broad range, thriving in USDA Zones 2 through 11.

How large does Cabbage grow?

This variety typically reaches a mature height and spread between 1 to 2 feet, forming dense heads about 6 inches in diameter.

What sun exposure does Cabbage need?

For optimal head formation and healthy growth, Brassica oleracea (Capitata Group) ‘Frigga’ requires Full sun exposure.

When does Cabbage bloom?

This Cabbage variety Rarely flowers when grown under ideal conditions for vegetable harvest, as it is typically harvested before initiating its second year’s reproductive cycle.

Conclusion

Brassica oleracea (Capitata Group) ‘Frigga’ stands out as a reliable, low-maintenance cool-season vegetable capable of producing excellent Savoy heads. Its hardiness across Zones 2-11 makes it widely accessible, transforming simple garden plots into sources of flavorful, textured produce. Check your forecast and plan your spring or fall planting dates carefully to ensure your Cabbage matures during those crucial cool weeks.