White Cabbage Wädenswiler [Brassica oleracea convar. capitata]

The biennial 'Wädenswiler' white cabbage forms finely layered, firm heads with a strong and mild, typical white cabbage flavor. Traditional cabbage variety, particularly suitable for sauerkraut and for long-term storage. Ideal for pre-cultivation, sowing in spring-autumn, no pot culture, good for mixed culture, harvesting the cabbage heads.

 Description 
The 'Wädenswiler' white cabbage is a biennial and historic cabbage variety from the town of the same name, Wädenswil in Switzerland. This medium-late and vigorous white cabbage variety originally comes from the wild cabbage from the Mediterranean region. The robust plants form large, round and finely layered, firm heads with a strong and mild, typical white cabbage flavor. Particularly suitable for sauerkraut and for long-term storage.

 General information 
Plant family: Brassicaceae
Life cycle: Biennial
Days to harvest: 130 days
Plant height approx.: 60 cm
Root type: Deep rooter
Nutrient requirements: High
Water requirements: Medium
Winter hardiness: Up to -13°C
Location: Sunny
Soil: Permeable, humus-rich loamy soil

pH value: 5.5 to 7

 Sowing and planting information 
Germination type: Dark germinator
Sowing depth: 0.5-1 cm
Optimal germination temperature: 12-18 °C
Germination time: 7-14 days
Plant and row spacing: 50x50 cm

Germination ability of seeds: 4-5 years

 Mixed culture 
Optimal mixed culture: Basil, Marigold, Tagetes, Rosemary, Soy, Bean, Pea
Unfavorable mixed culture: Kohlrabi, Mustard, Radish, other types of cabbage

 Sowing by climate zone 
Subtropic climate (Mediterranean) (e. g. B. Portugal, Spain, Italy)
Pre-cultivation is recommended from January to April or in autumn from September to November. The plants should ideally be planted in a sunny location.
Moderate climate (e. g. B. Germany, Switzerland, Poland)
Pre-cultivation from March to May or in late summer from August to September is recommended. The plants should ideally be planted in a sunny location.

 General recommendations 
Pre-cultivation and subsequent planting at the specified planting distance is recommended. For pre-cultivation, sow the seeds in a small bowl and let the seedlings grow until the first visible cabbage leaves appear, then transplant them into the desired container. After transplanting, let the seedlings grow at moderate temperatures until they are planted out as seedlings. Plant the seedlings in the bed from the second pair of leaves after the cotyledons.
White cabbage 'Wädenswiler' does not tolerate waterlogging.

 Additional tips 
For a staggered harvest, several sowings at 8-week intervals are recommended. Avoid harvesting during frost in winter. To prevent cabbage flies from laying eggs, the use of vegetable protection nets is recommended. To quickly obtain a fine, crumbly and permeable soil with good nutrient and water storage capacity, additional incorporation of biochar and primary rock flour is recommended.

 Type of propagation 
Propagation occurs via seeds.

 Plant care 
Loose, nutrient-rich and moist soil is essential. Depending on the condition of the soil, fertilization is recommended after 10 weeks.

 Other names 
Botanical names: Brassica oleracea convar. capitata
English names: White cabbage
German names: Weißkohl, Weißkraut, Weißkabis, Kappes
Portuguese names: Repolho branco, Couve branca
Spanish names: Repollo blanco, Col blanca
French names: Chou blanc

 Origin 
Country: Switzerland