Cabbage Seeds - Late Flat Dutch

Grow Late Flat Dutch cabbage seeds for large, flattened heads with blue-green outer leaves and a white interior. This late-season heading cabbage suits gardeners who want substantial heads for cooked dishes, slaws, and fall harvests.

Pack options

Choose 100 seeds, 1,000 seeds, ¼ oz, 1 oz, ¼ lb, or 1 lb. One cart quantity purchases one selected pack. Weight-based packs are sold by weight rather than a guaranteed seed count. This listing is for seeds, not live plants or harvested heads.

Variety highlights

• Variety: Late Flat Dutch.
• Botanical name: Brassica oleracea, Capitata Group.
• Head: large, flattened to oval, with blue-green outer leaves and a white interior.
• Potential size: the listing describes heads reaching approximately 10–15 lb and 12 inches across under favorable conditions; actual size varies with spacing, weather, and care.
• Harvest guide: approximately 100 days, with timing dependent on planting method and growing conditions.
• Life cycle: biennial, generally harvested for heads during its first growing season.

When to start

Plan for head development during cooler weather. A fall crop is a useful choice where summer heat makes spring heading difficult. Start seeds early enough to allow transplant establishment and the full growing period before severe winter conditions. For spring planting, start indoors approximately 6–8 weeks before the last expected frost and adjust transplant timing to local conditions.

Although the former description called this cabbage heat tolerant and resistant to splitting, neither trait makes it immune to hot-weather stress or irregular watering. Cool conditions and consistent moisture remain important for good heads.

Sowing and transplanting

• Sow approximately ¼–½ inch deep in seed-starting mix or a finely prepared seedbed.
• Maintain even moisture without waterlogging and provide bright light after emergence.
• Harden off indoor-grown seedlings gradually before moving them outdoors.
• Choose full sun and fertile, well-drained soil.
• For this large-headed variety, allow approximately 24–30 inches between plants and 30–36 inches between rows.

Handle root balls gently, keep the growing center above the soil, and water transplants in well. Protect young plants when severe frost is forecast. Close spacing can restrict head size and airflow.

Watering, feeding, and pest care

Keep soil consistently moist as heads develop. Mulch helps conserve moisture, moderate soil temperature, and reduce weeds. Avoid letting plants dry out followed by heavy watering, which can encourage splitting. Feed according to a soil test or vegetable fertilizer label.

Check leaf undersides for cabbage caterpillars and aphids, and monitor young seedlings for flea beetles. Secure insect netting can help exclude pests. Do not rely on companion herbs alone for protection or assume neighboring tomatoes or beans must be excluded for successful growth.

Container growing

Because Late Flat Dutch produces large heads, garden beds or spacious raised beds are generally more practical than small pots. If growing in a container, use a very large, deep pot with drainage holes, allow ample space for one mature plant, and use well-drained potting mix. Check moisture and feeding needs frequently. Container-grown heads may be smaller than those grown with unrestricted root space.

Harvest and kitchen use

Harvest when a head reaches a useful size and feels firm, rather than waiting for a particular weight. Cut below the head with a clean knife and remove damaged outer leaves. Use shredded leaves in slaws, cooked cabbage dishes, soups, or other favorite recipes. Wash harvested produce before use.

Storage

Keep harvested heads cool promptly after picking. Store sound heads under cold, humid conditions without freezing and check regularly for deterioration. Keeping quality depends on harvest condition and storage environment; a large fall-grown head is not automatically guaranteed to last through winter.