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Red Cabbage Microgreens

Brassica oleracea var. capitata

Extremely uniform small heads with good wrapper leaves. Inner leaves are tender, crunchy, and have an excellent, sweet, mild cabbage flavor. Perfect for summer salads, slaws, or cooked dishes. In the UK, they are harvested early in the season, before they have fully headed, and sold as "spring greens." Avg. head weight: 1 1/2-2 lb. Also available in organic seed.

Harvest

68d

Days to harvest

📅

Sun

Full sun to partial shade

☀️

Zones

6–9

USDA hardiness

🗺️

Height

10-24 inches

📏

Planting Timeline

Zone:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Start Indoors

Harvest

Start Indoors

Harvest

Showing dates for Red Cabbage Microgreens in USDA Zone 7

All Zone 7 microgreen →

Zone Map

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Red Cabbage Microgreens · Zones 6–9

What grows well in Zone 7? →

Growing Details

Difficulty

Easy

SpacingDense seeding, 1 oz seeds per 10x20 tray

SoilFine potting mix or coconut coir with good drainage

pH5.5-6.5

WaterMist regularly, maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging

SeasonWarm season annual

FlavorMild cabbage flavor with slight peppery notes and tender texture

ColorDeep purple-red stems with vibrant purple cotyledons

Size1 1/2-2 lb.

Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar

Zone	Indoor Start	Transplant	Direct Sow	Harvest
Zone 3	January – December	—	—	January – December
Zone 4	January – December	—	—	January – December
Zone 5	January – December	—	—	January – December
Zone 6	January – December	—	—	January – December
Zone 7	January – December	—	—	January – December
Zone 8	January – December	—	—	January – December
Zone 9	January – December	—	—	January – December
Zone 10	January – December	—	—	January – December

Complete Growing Guide

Light: Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day), Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours). Soil: Clay, Loam (Silt), Sand. Soil pH: Acid (<6.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist. Height: 0 ft. 10 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 1 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 12 inches-3 feet. Growth rate: Medium. Maintenance: Medium. Propagation: Seed, Stem Cutting. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.

Harvesting

The fruits dry and split when ripe.

Color: Brown/Copper, Green. Type: Siliqua. Length: > 3 inches.

Garden value: Edible

Harvest time: Fall, Summer

Bloom time: Spring, Summer

Edibility: The foliage is edible raw or cooked but when cooked can emit an unpleasant odor.

Storage & Preservation

Fresh red cabbage microgreens stay crisp for 5-7 days when stored properly in the refrigerator. Immediately after harvesting, gently rinse if needed and spin dry in a salad spinner. Store in airtight containers lined with paper towels to absorb excess moisture, which prevents wilting and bacterial growth. Keep refrigerated at 35-40°F.

For longer preservation, red cabbage microgreens freeze exceptionally well while retaining their color and nutritional value. Spread clean, dry microgreens on parchment-lined trays, freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer bags. They'll maintain quality for up to 6 months and work perfectly in smoothies or cooked dishes.

Dehydrating is another excellent option that concentrates the peppery flavor. Use a food dehydrator at 95°F for 4-6 hours until crisp. Store dried microgreens in airtight containers for up to one year. They make an excellent seasoning salt when ground with sea salt, preserving both the color and nutritional benefits.

History & Origin

Red cabbage microgreens represent a modern application of an ancient vegetable with roots tracing back over 4,000 years to the Mediterranean region. Wild cabbage (Brassica oleracea) was first cultivated by Celtic peoples, with red varieties developing through centuries of selective breeding for their anthocyanin-rich purple pigments.

The microgreen movement began in the 1980s in San Francisco's upscale restaurants, where chefs sought intense flavors and striking presentations in small packages. Red cabbage quickly became a favorite among microgreen growers due to its reliable germination, stunning visual appeal, and the way its color intensifies under artificial growing conditions.

While traditional red cabbage requires months to mature, the microgreen version delivers concentrated nutrition and flavor in just over a week. This variety gained particular popularity in the 2000s as research revealed that microgreens contain up to 40 times more nutrients than their mature counterparts. The deep purple-red coloration comes from betalains and anthocyanins, the same compounds that make red cabbage a superfood, but in much higher concentrations in the microgreen form.

Advantages

+Attracts: The foliage is edible raw or cooked but when cooked can emit an unpleasant odor.
+Wildlife value: It serves as a host plant for butterflies, moths, flies, sawflies and beetles.
+Edible: The foliage is edible raw or cooked but when cooked can emit an unpleasant odor.

Companion Plants

Plant Together

Dill

Attracts beneficial insects and may enhance cabbage flavor while repelling cabbage worms

Onions

Repel cabbage moths, aphids, and other brassica pests with their strong sulfur compounds

Marigolds

Deter aphids, whiteflies, and nematodes while attracting beneficial predatory insects

Nasturtiums

Act as trap crops for aphids and flea beetles, drawing pests away from cabbage

Chamomile

Improves soil health and may enhance growth and flavor of brassicas

Lettuce

Compatible growing conditions and helps maximize space utilization without competition

Chives

Repel aphids and other soft-bodied insects while improving soil with their root system

Carrots

Compatible root zones and carrots help break up soil for better cabbage root development

Keep Apart

Strawberries

Compete for nutrients and may stunt brassica growth through root competition

Tomatoes

May inhibit cabbage growth and both plants compete for similar nutrients

Pole Beans

Can overshadow microgreens and compete for nitrogen despite being nitrogen-fixers

Nutrition Facts

Calories

25kcal(1%)

Protein

1.28g(3%)

Fiber

2.5g(9%)

Carbs

5.8g(2%)

Fat

0.1g(0%)

Vitamin C

36.6mg(41%)

Vitamin A

5mcg(1%)

Vitamin K

76mcg(63%)

Iron

0.47mg(3%)

Calcium

40mg(3%)

Potassium

170mg(4%)

Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #169975)

Pests & Disease Resistance

Resistance

Good disease resistance typical of brassicas when grown in clean conditions

Common Pests

Flea beetles, aphids, fungus gnats

Diseases

Damping off, clubroot, black leg (rare in microgreen production)

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do red cabbage microgreens take to grow?▼

Red cabbage microgreens are ready to harvest in 8-12 days from sowing. The timeline depends on temperature and lighting conditions—warmer temperatures (70-75°F) and adequate light (14-16 hours daily) will produce harvestable microgreens closer to the 8-day mark, while cooler conditions may extend growth to 12 days.

Do red cabbage microgreens need special lighting?▼

While red cabbage microgreens will grow in moderate light, they require bright light or grow lights for 14-16 hours daily to develop their characteristic deep purple-red color. Insufficient lighting results in pale, less nutritious microgreens with diminished visual appeal. LED grow lights positioned 12-18 inches above the trays work exceptionally well.

Can you regrow red cabbage microgreens after harvesting?▼

Red cabbage microgreens typically don't produce a meaningful second harvest. While you may see some regrowth, the second cutting will be sparse, less flavorful, and lack the vibrant color of the first harvest. It's more efficient to start a new tray for continuous production rather than waiting for regrowth.

What do red cabbage microgreens taste like?▼

Red cabbage microgreens have a mild cabbage flavor with pleasant peppery notes and a tender, crisp texture. They're much milder than mature red cabbage but more flavorful than lettuce-type microgreens. The flavor intensifies slightly as they mature, making them versatile for both delicate garnishes and heartier salad applications.

Are red cabbage microgreens good for beginners?▼

Yes, red cabbage microgreens are excellent for beginners due to their reliable germination, no pre-soaking requirements, and forgiving nature. They're less prone to common beginner mistakes like overwatering compared to more delicate varieties. The main requirement is providing adequate lighting for proper color development.

How do you prevent red cabbage microgreens from getting moldy?▼

Prevent mold by ensuring proper air circulation, avoiding overwatering, and using the blackout method for only 2-3 days. Water from below once roots develop, keep growing medium moist but not soggy, and maintain temperatures between 65-75°F. Good drainage and clean growing conditions are essential for preventing damping-off disease.