Brassica oleracea
Heirloom
This Eastern European heirloom is not your typical cabbage. It has brilliant amethyst heads with a conical shape and is single dish sized, producing well in a small space. We found that if the plants are grown tightly they grow upward and rise out of the garden. Heads are dense and sweet, having a high sugar content, crunchy and perfect raw, for coleslaw and salads. Good keeper.
30 seeds
PLANTING
Germination: 7-12 days
Germination Temperature: Optimum soil temperatures 65-85 degrees F.
Seed Sowing Depth: 1/2” deep
Outside Sowing: Spring when soil temperature reaches at least 50 degrees F. Sow 2-3 seeds every 12-15” apart for small headed varieties, 20-30” for large headed varieties. Thin to the strongest seedling per space. Sow in midsummer for fall crops. Germination is slower at lower soil temperatures.
Starting Indoors: 4-6 weeks before last frost , sow 2-3 seeds per cell/pot. Provide 65-75 degree F soil temperature for optimum germination. Fertilize the seedlings every 7-10 days with a liquid or water soluble fertilizer (diluted to ¼ of suggested measurement). Transplant out just before last frost.
How much does a packet plant: 10-12 foot single row
Harvest : If the heads feel solid by pushing on them lightly they are ready to harvest. Harvest as soon as possible for early varieties to prevent splitting. Later maturing varieties will hold longer.
Tips : Needs to be provided with fertile soil, rich in organic matter from the very beginning of its growth in the garden. Provide adequate, even moisture for the best growth. Mulching helps retain moisture.
