VEGETABLE Cabbage ‘Red Acre’ Seeds
Botanical Name: Brassica oleracea var. capitata
Red Acre is a beautiful heirloom cabbage known for its deep reddish-purple heads and compact size. With its mild, slightly peppery flavour and crisp texture, Red Acre is a favourite for adding colour and crunch to coleslaw, stir-fries, pickles, and salads. Its compact growth habit makes it perfect for small gardens, raised beds, and containers. Ideal for cooler seasons, it matures early and performs well in most parts of New Zealand.
Why Grow Red Acre Cabbage?
- Produces small to medium-sized heads with vibrant purple-red leaves.
- Perfect for colourful coleslaw, fermentation, or cooked dishes.
- Early maturing variety—ready to harvest in just 70 days from transplanting.
- Compact and space-saving, ideal for raised beds or smaller gardens.
- Performs best in cool to mild climates, especially in spring and autumn.
Growing Instructions
- Sow in seed trays or directly into fertile, well-prepared garden beds.
- Transplant when seedlings have 4–6 true leaves and space 30–40 cm apart.
- Keep soil evenly moist to support steady growth and tight head formation.
- Apply mulch around plants to retain moisture and reduce weeds.
- Rotate crops annually to avoid brassica disease build-up in soil.
Plant Details:
Plant Type: Cool-season annual. Compact, early-heading red cabbage variety.
Sowing Information:
- Germination: 5 – 10 days
- Depth: Sow seeds 0.5 – 1 cm deep
- Position: Full sun
- Sow Where: Seed trays for transplanting or direct sow into garden beds
- Soil Type: Rich, free-draining soil with compost; pH 6.5 – 7.5
- Spacing: 30 – 40 cm between plants
When to Sow Cabbage in New Zealand:
| NZ Region | Sowing Window | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| North Island – Upper (e.g. Auckland, Northland) | Autumn to early spring | Best grown in cooler months to prevent bolting |
| North Island – Lower (e.g. Wellington, Waikato) | Late summer to spring | Provide regular water and monitor for caterpillars |
| South Island – Northern (e.g. Nelson, Marlborough) | Spring and early autumn | Grow during frost-free periods for best colour |
| South Island – Central & Southern (e.g. Canterbury, Otago) | Spring to mid-summer | Sow after frost; use netting to protect from cabbage moth |
Growing Tips for New Zealand Gardeners:
- Feed regularly with a balanced organic fertiliser during the growing season.
- Use insect netting or organic sprays to protect from white butterfly and aphids.
- Ensure even watering to prevent splitting or bitterness in the heads.
- Harvest promptly once heads are firm to avoid over-maturity.
Harvest:
Harvest when heads are dense, firm, and around 15–20 cm in diameter—usually 70–80 days from transplant. Cut at the base with a sharp knife. Remove old leaves and use immediately or store in the fridge for up to 1–2 weeks.
