Cabbage Seeds,
Tete Noire

Tete Noire is best grown in cool weather. For a spring harvest, start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before transplanting, and set the hardened-off seedlings outdoors 2-4 weeks before the last expected frost; it tolerates light frost and heads best before summer heat arrives. For a fall harvest, sow seeds directly outdoors in mid-summer. This cabbage takes about 65 days to mature, depending on the growing season​. If you’re not sure how to find your first and last frost dates, consult our blog post 'Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.'

Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in seed-starting mix if starting indoors. When transplanting, space seedlings 18-20 inches apart to give them room to grow. Tete Noire prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Ensuring that the soil is rich in organic matter will help retain moisture and provide the necessary nutrients​.

Tete Noire cabbage requires full sun, receiving at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. Consistent watering is essential, with the soil kept evenly moist but not waterlogged. Heavy mulching can help conserve moisture and prevent weed growth. Use a balanced fertilizer to support healthy growth, especially as the heads form​.

• If you plan to save seeds, isolate plants from other members of the cabbage species (kale, collards, broccoli, Brussels sprouts and cauliflower) by up to one mile to avoid cross pollination.
• Cabbage is biennial, blooming only after experiencing a winter's chill, and will require overwintering with heavy mulch and row cover in cool winter areas.
• For those with very harsh winters, consider digging up and placing in a root cellar until hard frost has passed.
• In the second season, when flowers have passed and seed pods have dried, dig up the plants and hang upside down to dry.
• Dried pods can be placed in a sack and crushed to release seeds. Remove chaff and detritus.
• Place seeds in a glass jar and refrigerate for up to 5 years.