What hardiness zones is Brassica oleracea 'Red Acre' suitable for?

Brassica oleracea 'Red Acre' is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b.

What are the sun requirements for Brassica oleracea 'Red Acre'?

Brassica oleracea 'Red Acre' requires Full Sun.

How much water does Brassica oleracea 'Red Acre' need?

Brassica oleracea 'Red Acre' has High water needs.

Brassica oleracea 'Red Acre', Red Acre Cabbage

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Vegetables

Brassica oleracea 'Red Acre'

Red Acre Cabbage

Brassicaceae

Coastal Europe (B. oleracea cabbage; Red Acre heirloom; most compact red cabbage; anthocyanin purple-red; pH-responsive color; stores 2-3 months)

At a Glance

TypeAnnual

HabitUpright

FoliageDeciduous

Height10-12 inches (25-30 cm)

Width18-24 inches (45-60 cm)

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.

What's my zone? →

Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Container Friendly

Maintenancemoderate

Overview

Brassica oleracea 'Red Acre' is an annual vegetable reaching 10-12 inches (25-30 cm) tall with a spread of 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) and a compact, low, spreading habit with a central round head. An heirloom red cabbage, it produces round, dense, solid heads 5-7 inches (13-18 cm) in diameter weighing 2-4 pounds (0.9-1.8 kg) with deep reddish-purple outer leaves and a tightly packed reddish-purple interior. The most compact red cabbage—well-suited to small gardens. Days to maturity 75-85 from transplant. Growth rate is moderate. Anthocyanin pigments produce the purple-red color—color intensifies in acidic conditions (vinegar, lemon juice) and turns blue in alkaline. Tolerates light frost—cold sweetens flavor. Shorter and more compact than most red cabbages.

Native Range

Brassica oleracea (cabbage group) descended from wild cabbage native to coastal Europe.

Suggested Uses

Grown in vegetable gardens for culinary use—coleslaw, braising, pickling, salads. Deep reddish-purple color. Most compact red cabbage—small garden suited. 2-4 lb heads. Color changes with pH (acidic=redder, alkaline=bluer). Stores 2-3 months. Frost sweetens. 75-85 days. Not suitable where large red heads are needed.

How to Identify

Distinguished from 'Copenhagen Market' by the deep reddish-purple (versus green) color and the more compact, shorter habit. Distinguished from larger red cabbages like 'Ruby Perfection' by the smaller head (2-4 versus 4-6 lb) and the more compact plant. Red Acre—most compact red cabbage, deep purple-red, anthocyanin color changes with pH, small garden suited.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height10" - 1'

Width/Spread1'6" - 2'

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Yellow four-petaled flowers if overwintered. Harvest when head is firm and solid. Resistant to splitting.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Yellow; four-petaled; bolting only

Foliage Description

Deep reddish-purple; dense round head 5-7 inches; anthocyanin pigment

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun

Requires 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily

• 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 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

High

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

75-85 days from transplant

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Start seed indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost. Transplant into rich, moist soil (pH 6.0-7.0). Consistent moisture. Heavy feeder. Days to maturity 75-85 from transplant. Compact habit allows 18 inch (45 cm) spacing. Harvest when heads are firm. Stores 2-3 months refrigerated—longer than green cabbages.