Cabbage Not Forming Heads Properly

Question

My cabbage plants are gorgeous, but not forming heads. I planted them late in the season last year and they lived through frost and even a snow over the winter. They have lovely big leaves, but two of them went to seed without forming a head; I cut that off, and now they are making baby cabbages at the roots of the leaves. The other two are attempting to form heads, but the leaves do not close except at the very center, so the head is still very small and a bit loose. I hate to lose these beautiful leaves. Can I save the plants, and can we eat the leaves if they have not formed a head? It is in the 70’s and 80’s here now.

Answer 1

They need to be kept cool to form a head. This article will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/cabbage/cabbage-head-formation.htm

And yes, you can eat the leaves.