[jb]

Hi,
last year I grew some red cabbages from cheap lidl seed that were tasty but huge. This was a pain as there are only 2 of us and there is only so much pickled cabbage you can eat.
I planted them at the std 18" spacing-does Given that most plants are reduced in stature if cramped would  planting the cabbages a lot closer still give heads but smaller or should we just go for a smaller variety.
Cheers
Jon

[paintedlady]

I won't claim to be an expert on whether this will affect growth or not, but what I did find is that the leaf spread meant they were touching each other and very convenient for those unwanted pests to casually cross from one plant to another without hindrance and wreak havoc 

[JayG]

Many people would be very envious of your success jb: why don't you just grow fewer of them rather than trying to restrict their growth?

[Goosegirl]

I have read that planting closer can restrict the size eg with leeks and onions so it could apply to cabbages too.

[Cazzy]

I planted my sprouts too close together and it stunted their growth, I imagine the same would happen with cabbage.  Only one way to find out I suppose 

[hamstergbert]

If there is something that you are runaway successful with - which appears for you to include red cabbage - it seems a shame to turn your nose up at it.

Is there anyone around (perhaps overheard passing your plot mumbling stuff like "just look at them brilliant red cabbages as that jb has grown - whish I could grow 'em that good" or sim'lar) that you could arrange a swapsies with for something they grow to excess.

Hey, just sayin'

[compostqueen]

there are some smaller varieties, such as Rouge Tete Noir and Cappucia Rosea (or something like that) both from Seeds of Italy

With the bigger ones you can make traditional braised cabbage out of them and freeze it.  It is absolutely delicious, once eaten never forgotten.  Delia's recipe is an easy one

[jb]

Thanks for all the replies, I ought to feel bigheaded from some of them but given my results with some other brassicas it was more likely that it was the variety rather than my skills that got them big.
The problem with pests could be key as a couple last year got masssivly slug-munched (upto 1/3 of the head)  but  were still usable given their size. So I might grow 2-3 as before and then another row at much closer spacing-if the close ones don't head then i can just whip them out as loose leaves can still be braised or cooked with apple (didn't know you could freeze-thanks for that tip) and replace with something quick mid-season.
For completeness I will post again  later in the season to report on how the experiment goes just in case anyone else has the same problem.
Many thanks
Jon

[compostqueen]

I get fed up with enormous cabbage varieties and prefer compact ones. I am growing a compact savoy this year instead of the humungous Ormskirk 

[Paul Plots]

If there is something that you are runaway successful with - which appears for you to include red cabbage - it seems a shame to turn your nose up at it.

Is there anyone around (perhaps overheard passing your plot mumbling stuff like "just look at them brilliant red cabbages as that jb has grown - whish I could grow 'em that good" or sim'lar) that you could arrange a swapsies with for something they grow to excess.

Hey, just sayin'

Sounds a very good idea to me!