Glory of Enkhuizen Cabbage Seeds — Heirloom | 1899 Dutch Heading Cabbage, 6–10 lb Blue-Green Heads, 90–100 Days

Introduced in 1899 by the Royal Dutch Sluis of Holland and brought to America from Denmark in 1939, Glory of Enkhuizen (Brassica oleracea) is one of the most historically documented heading cabbages in cultivation — USDA Plant Introduction number PI 132238. Developed by crossing ‘Glückstädter’ and ‘Ditmarscher’ cabbages and selected for market and shipping quality, it produces round, blue-green heads 8–12 inches in diameter weighing 6–10 lbs. Crisp, tender flavor. Excellent for coleslaw, sauerkraut, kimchi, soups, stir-fry, and long-term storage. 1.0 g / 200+ seeds per packet (~6,500 seeds/oz). 90–100 days to maturity.

• Botanical name: Brassica oleracea
• Days to maturity: 90–100 days
• Head size: 8–12 inches diameter, 6–10 lbs
• Head color: Round, blue-green
• Flavor: Crisp and tender
• Seed density: ~6,500 seeds/oz
• Packet size: 1.0 g / 200+ seeds
• Sowing depth: ¼ inch
• Plant spacing: 18–24 inches; rows 18–36 inches
• Plant height: 14–18 inches; width 12–16 inches
• Growth habit: Upright, leafy mound
• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• USDA Zones: 2–9 (biennial grown as annual)
• Type: Heirloom, open-pollinated, non-GMO, annual

A Dutch Heirloom With Documented History

Glory of Enkhuizen was developed in Enkhuizen, Holland — a town historically known as a center of seed production in the Netherlands. The variety was bred by crossing ‘Glückstädter’ and ‘Ditmarscher’ cabbages and selected specifically for market and shipping quality, which explains its dense, firm heads and excellent storage characteristics. It was introduced to the American seed trade in 1939 and assigned USDA PI number 132238, making it one of the better-documented heirloom cabbages available to home growers today.

Kitchen Uses

The crisp, tender leaves work across a wide range of preparations. Shred raw for coleslaw and slaws dressed with vinegar or cream. Ferment shredded leaves with salt for sauerkraut or with gochugaru and garlic for kimchi — the dense heads hold up well through the fermentation process. Add to soups and stews in the final 10–15 minutes of cooking. Stir-fry with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce over high heat. The heads store well in a cool, dry location for several weeks after harvest. Young plants can also be grown as sprouts (5–7 days), microgreens (8–14 days), or baby greens year-round.

Growing Notes

Cabbage performs best in cool weather — temperatures above 80°F cause bolting. Start indoors 4–6 weeks before transplanting, or direct sow ¼ inch deep in well-draining, fertile, moisture-retaining soil (pH 6.5–7.5). Harden off seedlings before transplanting. Space transplants 18–24 inches apart in rows 18–36 inches apart. For a spring harvest, sow late summer to early fall and overwinter with protection. For a fall harvest, start indoors in late spring and transplant in late summer. In mild-winter regions (rarely below freezing), transplant between September and February. Succession sow every few weeks for continuous harvest.

Pest & Disease Management

Common pests include flea beetles, cabbage caterpillars, cutworms, cabbage root fly, and slugs. Common diseases include clubroot and bacterial rot. Use floating row covers or netting to exclude moths and caterpillars. Plant nasturtiums as trap crops to redirect pests. Maintain a clean growing environment by removing leaf debris. Interplanting with flowers attracts beneficial insects and helps keep pest populations in check. Practice crop rotation to reduce clubroot pressure.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I harvest Glory of Enkhuizen?

Harvest at 90–100 days when heads feel solid and firm when squeezed. Cut just above the soil surface. Do not wait until heads crack — harvest promptly once firm. Heads store well in a cool, dry location for several weeks.

Can this cabbage be used for fermentation?

Yes. The dense, firm heads are well-suited for sauerkraut and kimchi. The variety was selected for market and shipping quality, which means the heads hold their structure through the fermentation process without becoming mushy.

Is Glory of Enkhuizen suitable for short growing seasons?

At 90–100 days it is a mid-season variety. For short-season gardens, start indoors 4–6 weeks before the last frost to get a head start. The variety tolerates light frost and performs well in cool spring and fall conditions.

Packed and shipped by Box Garden Seeds LLC — heirloom seeds grown without GMOs, selected for flavor, resilience, and your garden’s success.