19 Types of Cabbage Varieties for Your Vegetable Garden

Types of cabbage provide endless possibilities for your garden so if you only know of common green and red cabbage varieties, you’re in for a pleasant surprise! We’ll explore over 19 kinds of cabbage — from classic savoy to unusual Chinese varieties

so whether you want crunchy leaves for slaws, sturdy heads for kraut, or unusual textures and flavors, the cabbage family has something for every garden.

Grab a cup of coffee or tea and let’s explore the wonderful world of cabbage varieties together — from mild-mannered savoys to spicy mustards and pretty pointed cabbages. By the end, your vegetable garden will never look so intriguing!

Types of Cabbage and Varieties Every Gardener Must Have

1. Savoy Cabbage

Savoy cabbage has deliciously crinkled leaves that add texture and visual appeal to salads and slaws. The savoy variety prefers cooler weather in spring and fall, forming loose heads of curly leaves in shades of blue-green. When grown in fertile, well-draining soil with even moisture and partial shade, savoy cabbages reward gardeners with a bounty of crinkled leaves with a mild, sweet flavor.

Monitor savoy cabbage closely for pests like cabbage worms, slugs, and cabbage loopers that can chew holes in leaves. Pick off caterpillars by hand in the morning when they are sluggish and drop them in soapy water. Slugs can be removed with slug bait or trapped in beer-filled containers sunk level with the soil.

Savoy cabbage is an excellent choice for home gardens, with loose heads that store well in the refrigerator for several weeks. The crinkled leaves provide an interesting texture in slaws and salads, with a mild flavor that pairs well with other vegetables. 

Try a savoy cabbage and apple slaw with mayonnaise or a grain bowl with shredded savoy leaves, quinoa, roasted sweet potatoes, and black beans. Savoy cabbage varieties like Bright Lights and Red Ruby offer attractively colored leaves that add visual appeal to your cabbage garden.

2. Green Cabbage

Green cabbage has firm, tightly wrapped leaves that form into dense round heads. When planted in fertile, moist soil with even watering, green cabbage rewards gardeners with hearty round heads. Monitor green cabbage closely for cabbage loopers, worms, and aphids that can damage leaves and heads.  

The green cabbage variety is grown in spring and fall, forming crisp heads in response to cooler weather. Green cabbage is a versatile vegetable, suitable for a variety of preparations. Shred the leaves for coleslaw or use in stir fries and other Korean or Chinese dishes. The dense heads can be used to make sauerkraut or kimchi or roasted and served alongside meats and grains.   

The firm texture and mild cabbage flavor make green cabbage a staple in home gardens for its dependability and many uses in the kitchen. Green cabbages are easy to grow, tolerate colder temperatures, and store well for months. Home gardeners value green cabbage for its hardy nature, low maintenance requirements, and ability to provide a steady harvest throughout the colder seasons.

3. Napa Cabbage

Napa cabbage has long, vertically elongated leaves that form a loose, open-structured head. When provided with fertile, moist soil and consistent watering, napa cabbage rewards gardeners with abundantly leafy heads. Monitor napa cabbage closely for flea beetles, aphids, and cabbage worms that can skeletonize leaves.

Napa cabbage thrives in heat and is grown in summer and fall when the weather is warm. Napa cabbage is grown primarily for its leafy structure rather than a tight head. The long, slender leaves are perfect for kimchi, stir-fries, and other Asian dishes.  

The mild flavor and crisp texture of napa cabbage pair well with bold, pungent flavors like chili garlic sauce and soy sauce. Try napa cabbage wrapped around ground chicken and rice or stir-fried with ginger, garlic, and chili paste for an easy weeknight meal. Home gardeners value napa cabbage for its heat tolerance, ability to produce an abundant harvest, and versatility in Asian cuisine.

4. Bok Choy

Bok choy has long, flat leaves that form a loose, open-headed cabbage. When planted in fertile, consistently moist soil with partial shade, bok choy rewards gardeners with a bounty of leafy heads. Monitor bok choy closely for cabbage loopers, flea beetles, and aphids that can skeletonize leaves.  

The bok choy variety thrives in hot weather and is grown in summer and fall when days are long and warm. Bok choy is grown for its leaves rather than a dense head. The thick, fleshy leaves and crunchy white stems are added to stir-fries, soups, and salads. High in vitamins A, C, and K, bok choy pairs well with thinly sliced meat and Asian sauces. Use baby bok choy whole in stir fries and cut mature leaves and stems separately for a stir fry.  

Serve bok choy topped with oyster sauce and toasted sesame seeds for an irresistible side dish. Home gardeners value bok choy for its heat and humidity tolerance, productivity, and versatility in Asian cuisine. Triangular or oval-shaped leaves give bok choy a noticeably crunchy texture when raw and a creamy softness when cooked. Bok choy offers distinctive flavor notes of grassiness and spiciness from its mild mustardy kick.

5. White Cabbage

White cabbage has firm, smooth leaves that form into a dense round head. When planted in fertile, moist soil with even watering, white cabbage rewards gardeners with crisp round heads. Monitor white cabbage closely for cabbage loopers, aphids, and cabbage worms, which can skeletonize leaves.   

The white cabbage variety is grown in spring and fall when cooler weather prompts firming of the head. White cabbage is a versatile, mild-flavored vegetable suited to a variety of preparations. Shred the savoy leaves for coleslaw or stir-fries. The dense round shape works well for making sauerkraut or kimchi. 

White cabbage can also be roasted or braised and served alongside meats and grains. Thanks to its firm texture and mild taste, white cabbage is a dependable addition to the home garden. Home gardeners value white cabbage for its versatility in the kitchen, ability to be stored for months, and dependability as an autumn and winter crop. White cabbage requires minimal care once established and rewards growers with a bountiful harvest of crisp, mild-flavored heads.

6. Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts have clusters of miniature cabbage buds along vertical stalks.  When planted in fertile, well-draining soil with even moisture, brussels sprouts reward gardeners with tasty bud clusters. Monitor Brussels sprouts closely for cabbage loopers, aphids, and flea beetles — all of which can skeletonize buds and leaves.   

The Brussels sprouts variety thrives in cold weather, so they are grown in fall and winter when temperatures drop. Brussels sprouts have a mild cabbage flavor that intensifies as the buds mature. Harvest sprouts from the bottom up, picking small, immature sprouts for a milder flavor. Cook sprouts by roasting, braising, or sautéing. Shred raw sprouts for slaws or add to salads.  

High in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, Brussels sprouts are a nutritional powerhouse in the garden. The dense cluster of buds forms a miniature cabbage head on a single stalk, providing an abundance of produce in a small space. Home gardeners value Brussels sprouts for their resilience through fall and into early winter when few other vegetables are still producing. The small buds mature at different rates, allowing for a prolonged harvest window.

7. Chinese Cabbage

Chinese cabbage has long, flat leaves that form a loose-headed cabbage. When planted in fertile, consistently moist soil with partial shade, Chinese cabbage rewards gardeners with leafy heads. Monitor Chinese cabbage closely for aphids, flea beetles, and cabbage loopers — all of which skeletonize leaves.  

The Chinese cabbage variety thrives in heat and humidity and is grown in spring and summer when days are long and warm. Chinese cabbage is grown for its leafy structure rather than a dense head. The mild flavor and crisp texture pair well with hot and sour soup, stir-fries, and egg rolls.  

Chinese cabbage can be chopped and stir-fried with garlic or shredded and tossed with a soy sauce-lime juice dressing. The high water content and delicate leaves make Chinese cabbage an excellent choice for salads in warmer months.

Home gardeners value Chinese cabbage for its heat tolerance, productivity during hot seasons, and versatility in Asian cuisine. The leaves grow long and elongated in Chinese cabbage, allowing for more surface area exposure to the sun and greater yield potential.

8. January King Cabbage

January King cabbage forms medium-sized round heads with firm, tightly wrapped leaves. When planted in fertile, well-draining soil with even moisture, January King cabbage rewards gardeners with crisp round heads. Monitor January King cabbage closely for cabbage worms, cabbage loopers, and aphids, which can damage leaves and reduce yields.   

The January King variety thrives in cold weather, so they are grown in fall and winter when temperatures drop. January King cabbage has a sweet, mildly cabbage flavor that intensifies after a light frost. Harvest heads when they are firm and weigh three to five pounds. 

The dense round heads store well in a cool place for weeks. Shred the leaves for slaw or roast the whole head. January King cabbage holds its shape well when boiled or braised and served with meats and grains. Home gardeners value January King cabbage for its cold tolerance, ability to store for months, and dependability through short winter days.

January King cabbage requires minimal care once established and rewards growers with a bountiful harvest of crisp, sweet-tasting heads. The medium size of January King heads makes them ideal for family meals and meal prepping.

9. Pointed Cabbage

Pointed cabbage forms long, elongated oval-shaped heads with firm, tightly wrapped leaves. When planted in fertile, well-draining soil with even moisture, pointed cabbage rewards gardeners with firm cylindrical heads. Monitor pointed cabbage closely for cabbage worms, cabbage loopers, and aphids, which can skeletonize leaves.

The pointed cabbage variety prefers cool weather, so grow them in spring and fall when days are short. Pointed cabbage holds its shape well when cooked, making it ideal for dishes like boiled cabbage or stir-fried cabbage and eggs. Harvest heads when they are firm and weigh two to three pounds.   

Pointed cabbage heads store well in a cool, humid place for weeks. Shred raw leaves for slaw or chop and braise the whole head with onions, bacon, and caraway seeds for a hearty side dish. Home gardeners value pointed cabbage for its cold tolerance, ability to store for months, and versatility as a cool-season crop.

The elongated conical shape of pointed cabbage heads allows for excellent air circulation, reducing the risk of rot during storage. Pointed cabbage leaves also hold their shape well during cooking, making them ideal for braised dishes and casseroles.

10. Dutch Cabbage

Dutch cabbage forms compact round or conical-shaped heads with firm, tightly wrapped leaves. When planted in fertile, well-draining soil with even moisture, dutch cabbage rewards gardeners with crisp, compact heads. Monitor Dutch cabbage closely for cabbage loopers, cabbage worms, and aphids, which can damage leaves and heads.  

The Dutch cabbage variety thrives in cold weather and are grown in fall and winter when temperatures drop. Dutch cabbage has a sweet, tangy flavor that intensifies after a light frost. Harvest compact heads when they weigh three to five pounds.   

The small heads can store well in a cool place for months. Shred raw leaves for coleslaw or braise the whole head with caraway seeds and apple cider vinegar. Dutch cabbage holds its shape well when boiled, making it a good choice for dishes like red cabbage and apples.

Home gardeners value Dutch cabbage for its cold hardiness, long storage capabilities, and compact size. The dense, rounded heads of Dutch cabbage can withstand frost and cold snaps better than other varieties.

11. Red Cabbage

Red cabbage forms medium-sized, rounded heads with deep purple-red, firm, and tightly wrapped leaves. When planted in fertile, well-draining soil with even moisture, red cabbage rewards gardeners with vivid purple heads. Monitor red cabbage closely for cabbage loopers, aphids, and cabbage worms, which can damage leaves and heads.

The red cabbage variety prefers cool weather, it is grown during spring and fall when temperatures are moderate. Red cabbage has a slightly sweet and tangy flavor that intensifies after a frost. Harvest heads that weigh three to five pounds and are firm.   

The deep red leaves hold their color when cooked. Shred raw cabbage for slaws or chop and braise with caraway seeds, vinegar, and onions. Red cabbage pairs beautifully with apples in dishes like red cabbage and apples.

The vibrant color of red cabbage makes it an eye-catching addition to any garden. Home gardeners value red cabbage for its cold tolerance, color, and versatility in side dishes and slaws. Red cabbage stores exceptionally well, retaining its texture and color for months when stored properly.

12. Mammoth Red Cabbage

Mammoth red cabbage forms large, cone-shaped heads with deeply lobed, crimson-red leaves. The mammoth red cabbage variety prefers moderate temperatures and are grown in spring and fall when days transition from hot to cool.

When planted in fertile, well-draining soil with even watering, mammoth red cabbage rewards gardeners with vivid purple heads weighing up to fifteen pounds. Monitor mammoth red cabbage closely for cabbage loopers, aphids, and cabbage worms, which can damage leaves and crop yield.

Mammoth red cabbage has a sweet, slightly tangy flavor that intensifies after a light frost. Harvest large heads that are firm and deep red in color. The dark red leaves retain their hue when cooked. Shred raw cabbage for slaws or chop and braise the whole head with caraway seeds and apples for a show-stopping side dish. The size and vivid color of mammoth red cabbage heads make this an impressive and ornamental addition to any garden.

13. Portuguese Cabbage

Portuguese cabbage forms globe-shaped heads with deeply crinkled leaves in shades of green to purple. The Portuguese cabbage variety prefers moderate temperatures year-round, tolerating both cool and warm conditions.

When planted in fertile, well-draining soil with even moisture, Portuguese cabbage rewards gardeners with ornamental crinkled heads. Monitor Portuguese cabbage closely for cabbage loopers, cabbage worms, and aphids — which can damage leaves and developing heads.

Portuguese cabbage has a mild, slightly sweet flavor with slight mineral notes. Harvest globe-shaped heads that are firm — ranging in size from one to two pounds. The crinkled leaves retain their texture when cooked. Shred raw leaves for slaw or chop and braise the whole head with garlic and spices for a flavorful side dish.

The ornamental shape and crinkled leaves of Portuguese cabbage make it a show-stopping addition to the garden.

14. Cannonball Cabbage

Cannonball cabbage forms nearly perfect sphere-shaped cabbage heads with firm, tightly wrapped leaves. When planted in fertile, moist soil with even moisture, cannonball cabbage rewards gardeners with ornamental sphere-shaped heads. Monitor cannonball cabbage closely for cabbage worms, cabbage loopers, and aphids.    

The cannonball variety prefers moderate temperatures, grown in spring and fall when temperatures transition from hot to cool. Cannonball cabbage has a mildly cabbage flavor that intensifies as the heads mature.  Harvest sphere-shaped heads that weigh three to seven pounds when they are firm.   

The densely wrapped leaves hold shape well when cooked. Shred raw leaves for slaw or stuff cabbage whole and braise in broth. The nearly perfect sphere shape and uniform size of cannonball cabbage heads make this an impressive variety for food and ornamental gardens.

Home gardeners value cannonball cabbage for its attractive shape, cold tolerance, and long storage capabilities. Cannonball heads form a consistently round shape that is ornamental as well as functional in the garden. Gardeners enjoy harvesting the spherical heads that weigh several pounds each.

15. Parel Cabbage

Parel cabbage forms rounded, conical-shaped cabbage heads with firm, tightly wrapped leaves. The parel variety prefers moderate temperatures, grown in spring and fall when temperatures transition from hot to cool.

When planted in fertile, moist soil with even moisture, parel cabbage rewards gardeners with ornamental conical-shaped heads. Monitor parel cabbage closely for cabbage worms, cabbage loopers, and aphids, which can damage leaves and reduce yields.

Parel cabbage has a mildly cabbage flavor that intensifies as the heads mature. Harvest conical-shaped heads that weigh three to five pounds when they are firm. The densely wrapped leaves hold shape well when cooked.

Shred raw leaves for slaw or chop and braise the whole head with caraway seeds and apples. The conical shape and ornamental coloration of parel cabbage heads make this an attractive variety for food and ornamental gardens.

16. Flat Dutch Cabbage

Flat Dutch cabbage forms large, flattened globe-shaped cabbage heads with firm, tightly wrapped leaves. When planted in fertile, moist soil with even moisture, flat Dutch cabbage rewards gardeners with large, flattened globe-shaped heads. Monitor flat Dutch cabbage closely for cabbage loopers, cabbage worms, and aphids, which can damage leaves and reduce yields.

The flat Dutch variety prefers moderate temperatures, grown in spring and fall when temperatures transition from hot to cool. Flat Dutch cabbage has a mildly cabbage flavor that intensifies as the heads mature.  

Harvest flattened globe-shaped heads that weigh eight to fifteen pounds when they are firm. The densely wrapped leaves hold shape well when cooked. Shred raw leaves for slaw or chop and braise the whole head with spices. 

The large size and distinctive flattened globe shape of flat Dutch cabbage heads make this an attractive variety for the garden. Home gardeners value flat Dutch cabbage for its productivity, extremely large heads, and well-wrapping leaves. Flat Dutch heads form a broad, flattened sphere shape that allows for more compact planting in the garden. The enormous size of mature cabbage heads, weighing up to 15 pounds each, produces an abundant yield.

17. Red Express Cabbage

Red Express cabbage forms mid-sized, rounded heads with deep red leaves. The red express variety prefers moderate temperatures, so they are grown in spring and fall when temperatures transition from hot to cool. When planted in fertile, well-draining soil with even moisture, red express cabbage rewards gardeners with vivid purple heads weighing three to six pounds.

Monitor red express cabbage closely for cabbage worms, aphids, and cabbage loopers, which can damage leaves and reduce yields. Red Express cabbage has a sweet, tangy flavor that intensifies after a light frost. Harvest deep redheads that are firm.

The vivid red leaves retain their color when cooked. Shred raw cabbage for slaws or chop and braise the whole head with caraway seeds and apple cider vinegar for a flavorful side dish. The ornamental coloration of red express cabbage heads make this an attractive variety for food and ornamental gardens.

18. Rouge d’hiver Cabbage

Rouge d’hiver cabbage forms mid-sized, rounded heads with deep red leaves. The rouge d’hiver variety thrives in cold weather and are grown in fall and winter when temperatures drop. When planted in fertile, well-draining soil with even moisture, rouge d’hiver cabbage rewards gardeners with deep purple heads weighing three to six pounds.

Monitor rouge d’hiver cabbage closely for cabbage worms, aphids, and cabbage loopers, which can damage leaves and reduce yields. Rouge d’hiver cabbage has a sweet, tangy flavor that intensifies after a light frost. Harvest deep redheads that are firm.

The vivid red leaves retain their color when cooked. Shred raw cabbage for slaws or chop and braise the whole head with caraway seeds and apple cider vinegar for a flavorful side dish. The ornamental coloration of rouge d’hiver cabbage heads make this an attractive variety for food and ornamental gardens.

19. Bergman’s Cabbage

Bergman’s cabbage forms medium-sized, rounded heads with bright blue-green leaves. The Bergman’s variety prefers moderate temperatures, so they are grown in spring and fall when temperatures transition from warm to cool.

When planted in fertile, well-draining soil with even moisture, Bergman’s cabbage rewards gardeners with ornamental blue-green heads weighing three to five pounds. Monitor Bergman’s cabbage closely for cabbage loopers, cabbage worms, and aphids, which can damage leaves and reduce yields.

Bergman’s cabbage has a sweet, mild cabbage flavor. Harvest rounded heads that are firm. The bright blue-green leaves retain their vibrant color when cooked. Shred raw cabbage for slaws or chop and braise the whole head with spices for a flavorful side dish. The ornamental blue coloration of Bergman’s cabbage heads makes this an attractive variety for food and ornamental gardens.

Conclusion

This article has highlighted the types of cabbage suitable for the home garden, ranging from well-known varieties to more unusual selections. Each cabbage offers its own benefits in terms of flavor, appearance, and cold tolerance.

• Flat Dutch cabbage forms large, flattened globe shaped cabbage heads with firm, tightly wrapped leaves.

• Cannonball cabbage forms nearly perfect sphere-shaped cabbage heads with firm and tightly wrapped leaves.

• The Brussels sprouts variety thrives in cold weather and are grown in fall and winter when temperatures drop.

Cabbage provides nutrients, versatility in the kitchen, and visual appeal in the garden, and planting cabbages in your garden is an enjoyable and rewarding experience. There is a wide selection to choose from to suit your taste, space, and climate, so don’t be afraid to experiment — you may just discover a new favorite variety!