I sometimes cut the stem about halfway through to prevent splitting, but I don't know if this would work if it's already in the process of splitting.

Love that O.S. cross, btw. When was this planted? They mature in less than three months. Cabbage matures when cabbage matures. Have been told to gently twist the plant a bit to break a few roots, but not enough to kill it if it is responding to lots of rain. When they start to split, it often sets the head up for rots.

It was planted early March I guess doing the math is suppost to be getting there,:D calliope first time I read "roots" instead of "rots" I was like augh?,lol.The top layer that wraps around is the only one that is cracked.I Must learn how to post pics here ASAP:)

I had to look up the program, to see what the criteria was. There was no way I could see children all across this huge country receiving their plants at the same time, because of the disparity between zones as far as planting seasons...... and expect them all to be ready in September. Reading further, I see that they don't expect that. You just need a photo and measurements. I have never had a cabbage I planted in March grow until September, and if it did......it would be as tough and strong as a hockey puck. Your goal then if you're going for size is just to keep it growing as long as possible.

Sadly, you found out what happens to cabbages when they react to a lot of water, especially if it comes after a dry spell. You may be able to just peel back gently that one split layer. If you don't and the leaf starts to die it'll get dry and leathery and could start up a rot on the good layers.

I'm not a southern gardener so I really can't speak to how it's done down there. Just about cabbage in general. Have you measured it lately?

Concur with calliope. OS cross is a midseason cabbage. Planted in March it will mature in June. After it is full grown, if left it will began to split. If growth is interrupted due to climatic stress and then then begins a new growth spurt, that also leads to splitting.
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My son's cabbage looks like the bigger one:) with bigger holes due to the friggin slugs:(will meassure,picture and harvest,He has requested "pickeled slaw" already so hopefully it tastes good,Thanks for the feedback,happy gardening!!!

Here's a little hint. If you sever the head off just above the soil line, and keep the root intact, a new head will begin forming. If it starts June first it should be finishing up the first of September. Keep it watered religiously as the growth starts and hit it with some N. He'll be the only kid in his class to raise TWO O.S. cross from the same plant and he'll be the only one to have a decent looking head come school time.......and also if you baby it, and it's growing on mature roots it may also get larger than the first.

Hmmm...I had no idea there was so much to growing cabbage...lol. I bought some seedlings from Lowe's, popped 'em into the ground & I've just been waiting. I have 7 plants...3 are starting to look like cabbage in that the leaves are folding over. The other 4 not so much. So where do I go to find out more about growing cabbages? I guess I should include broccoli, cauliflower & spinach cuz I've not grown them before either. Thanks for any advice.

Say whaaat?(calliope)...that is news to me I had no idea cabbage can produce more than 1 head,since i have a very small urban garden cabbage was not in my list of things to grow thinking it takes too much space,for 1 head.So I guess that anwers my other question for some reason I tought cabbage bolts with the heat,you learn something new everyday.Thanks for sharing:)

You could possibly store the cabbage head until September. I have heard that those with root cellars will wrap the heads in newspaper and then store them in a cool spot in a layer of straw and keep them like that for several months. Don't quote me on that but I'm sure a google search would yield some info. As for the second heads I can attest to that as I tried that out last year. The heads are a little smaller and a little sweeter in my opinion. Perfect for some sauerkraut!