Brassica oleracea 'Copenhagen Market', Copenhagen Market Cabbage
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Annuals

Brassica oleracea 'Copenhagen Market'

Copenhagen Market Cabbage

BrassicaceaeEurope

At a Glance

Typeannual
Habitcompact, rosette-forming
Foliageannual
Height12-15 inches
Width15-18 inches

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

3a - 9b
Zone 3a
Zone 3b
Zone 4a
Zone 4b
Zone 5a
Zone 5b
Zone 6a
Zone 6b
Zone 7a
Zone 7b
Zone 8a
Zone 8b
Zone 9a
Zone 9b
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Container Friendly
Maintenancemoderate

Overview

Brassica oleracea 'Copenhagen Market' is a compact, early-season cabbage cultivar renowned for its uniform, round heads and reliable performance. This heritage variety produces solid, dense heads weighing 3-4 pounds with tightly packed, crisp leaves that display a blue-green color with prominent white veining. The heads are characteristically globe-shaped with excellent wrapper leaves that provide good protection during development. The outer leaves are broad, thick, and heavily waxed, giving them a distinctive blue-green appearance that helps distinguish this cultivar from other cabbage varieties. Brassica oleracea 'Copenhagen Market' is particularly valued for its consistent head formation and ability to mature uniformly, making it an excellent choice for both home gardeners and market growers. The compact plant structure allows for closer spacing than many other cabbage varieties, while still producing full-sized, well-formed heads with excellent keeping quality.

Native Range

Brassica oleracea is native to the Mediterranean region and Atlantic coasts of Western Europe, including areas of Spain, France, and the British Isles. The species naturally occurs on limestone cliffs and rocky shores where it grows as a biennial herb in maritime environments.

Suggested Uses

Fresh eating, coleslaw, sauerkraut, market gardens, succession planting, container growing, small space gardens

How to Identify

Brassica oleracea 'Copenhagen Market' can be identified by its compact, globe-shaped heads that are notably uniform in size and shape. Key identifying features include the distinctive blue-green outer leaves with prominent white veining and a heavily waxed surface that gives them a slightly silvery appearance. The heads are characteristically round rather than flattened, typically measuring 6-7 inches in diameter when mature. The wrapper leaves are thick and substantial, closely hugging the head, and the plant maintains a relatively low, compact profile compared to larger cabbage varieties. The core is proportionally small relative to the head size, and the interior leaves are tightly packed with a crisp, white to pale green color.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1' - 1'3"
Width/Spread1'3" - 1'6"

Colors

Flower Colors

yellow

Foliage Colors

blue
green
white

Bloom Information

second year if overwintered (bolting)

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

yellow (if allowed to bolt)

Foliage Description

blue-green with white veining, waxy surface

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 6.8(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loam
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

moderate to high, consistent moisture

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

65-75 days

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Brassica oleracea 'Copenhagen Market' requires consistent moisture and fertile, well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0-6.8. Water deeply and regularly, maintaining even soil moisture throughout the growing season as fluctuations can cause splitting or poor head formation. Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting and side-dress with nitrogen 3-4 weeks after transplanting to support vigorous leaf growth. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Monitor for common brassica pests including cabbage worms, flea beetles, and aphids, using row covers early in the season if needed. Provide adequate spacing to ensure good air circulation and prevent disease issues.

Pruning

Brassica oleracea 'Copenhagen Market' requires minimal pruning during the growing season. Remove any damaged or yellowing outer leaves as needed, but avoid removing healthy wrapper leaves as they protect the developing head. If the plant begins to bolt prematurely, remove flower stalks immediately to redirect energy to head development, though this is rarely successful once bolting begins. After harvest, remove the entire plant including the root system to prevent pest and disease carryover.

Maintenance Level

moderate

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Brassica oleracea 'Copenhagen Market' is generally safe for human consumption when properly prepared. Raw cabbage leaves and heads are edible and nutritious. However, large quantities of raw brassicas may interfere with thyroid function due to goitrogens, particularly in individuals with existing thyroid conditions. The plant is generally safe for pets in small quantities but may cause digestive upset if consumed in large amounts.

Planting Guide

Planting Methods & Timing

Planting Method

transplant

Indoor Start

6 weeks before last frost

Direct Sow Timing

early spring, 2-3 weeks before last frost

Days to Maturity

65–75 days

Plant Spacing

18 inches

Companion Planting

Good Companions

onions
dill
celery
potatoes
lettuce
spinach
carrots

Avoid Planting With

tomatoes
strawberries
peppers
pole beans