African Cabbage, also known as Ethiopian Kale, is a highly nutritious and flavorful leafy green with similar properties to collard greens. This versatile vegetable is packed with vitamins and minerals, offering a rich source of vitamin C, calcium, and iron, making it a great addition to any healthy diet. Known for its hearty, slightly peppery taste, African Cabbage is perfect for adding flavor to soups, stews, and stir-fries. It's a hardy plant that grows well in a variety of climates, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced gardeners. African Cabbage also makes for a great cover ctop; It will remain erect and retain its leaves after dying from cold weather which makes it a very effective snow catch cover crop. Also Known As: Ethiopian Cabbage, Ethiopian Kale, Jute Leaf, Cover Crop Cabbage. Plant Name: African Cabbage Latin Name: Brassica rapa Days to Germinate: 4-7 Days to Harvest: 40-75 Plant Height: 6-10 Inches Spread: 12 Inches Growth Habit: Upright USDA Zones: 2-12 Lifespan: Annual Brand: TomorrowSeeds Sunlight: Full Sun, Partial Shade Pollination: Heirloom, Open-Pollinated GMO: No Fungicide-Treated Seeds*: No Seeds Packed For**: 2026 *Fungicide-treated seeds protect the seedlings from diseases until they are up and growing. Do not eat treated seeds. **Seeds are freshly packed for the growing season of the year listed. Seeds are still viable beyond pack date. Store in a cool and dry location such as the refrigerator or basement to best preserve germination rates. Planting Instructions: Soil Preparation: Choose an area with heavy, well-draining soil that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Remove weeds, large rocks, and litter from the planting area. Leave small weeds and dead grass, they will enrich the soil when turned under. Spade or till the soil 8-12 inches deep. Loosening the soil will help the plant establish strong roots. African Cabbage grows best in soil with lots of organic matter. You may optionally add fertilizer or organic material such as compost, leaves, or rotted hay to mix into the soil at this point. For small gardens, scatter 2-3 tablespoons of fertilizer evenly and work into the top 2-3 inches of soil for each hill or 2 foot by 2 foot planting area. For larger gardens, scatter 2-3 pounds of a complete fertilizer for each 100 square feet of planting area. Work fertilizer or organic material into the soil and leave the surface smooth. Form rows of soil beds 4-6 inches high and at least 2 feet apart. This formation of ridges will help with drainage. Planting: Plant African Cabbage in the spring after all danger of frost has passed and the soil begins to warm (>45F). For fall crops, direct sow seeds or transplant seedlings outdoors 9-12 weeks before the first frost. To plant, make holes 1/4 inch deep and spaced 12-18 inches apart down the rows of raised beds. Plant 1-3 seeds per hole, planting 2-3 seeds if choosing to thin to the strongest plant. When thinning, determine the strongest and healthiest plant, then remove all other plants, narrowing to a single plant per hole. Cover seeds thinly with soil and water after planting. Planting Depth: 1/4 inch Within-Row Spacing: 12-18 inches Between-Row Spacing: 2 feet Care During the Season: Watering: Water the plants deeply, soaking the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches, once a week. If there is no rainfall, water 2-3 times a week. Sandy soils may need to be watered more often than heavy clay soils. Weeding: Keeping plants weed-free improves production. If plowing or hoeing, do not dig deeper than 1 inch to prevent from cutting the feeder roots. Fertilizing: Once seedlings are established, 2-4 weeks after planting, you may optionally apply 2 tablespoons of a complete fertilizer around each hole, or 1-2 pounds per 100 square feet, without letting the fertilizer touch the plants. Water plants after fertilizing. Insecticides: Insecticides may be used to protect plants. Bt-based insecticides and sulfur are organic options that can be used for prevention. Sulfur also has fungicidal properties and helps in controlling many diseases. Before using a pesticide, read the label and follow cautions, warnings and directions. Diseases: If spots or mold appear, treat plants with an approved fungicide. Neem oil, sulfur, and other fungicides may be used. When using fungicides always follow label directions. Harvesting: African Cabbage is ready to harvest when the leaves are large enough to eat, typically around 50-70 days after planting, depending on the variety. For the best flavor and tenderness, harvest the outer leaves while they are young and about the size of your hand, leaving the central leaves to continue growing. African Cabbage can be harvested multiple times throughout the season, as it grows continuously.
