Benefit from the vitamin rich, flavoursome heads of freshly harvested cabbage throughout summer and autumn with this flavoursome and versatile Savoy. Easy to grow, Cabbage ‘Cordesa’ F1 hybrid is the first Savoy cabbage to have resistance to club root and provides a quality autumn crop. It stands up well to autumn weather and hard frosts too, meaning you don’t have to rush out and harvest them all at once! Height and spread: 40cm (16").
Sowing
Sow autumn cabbage seed indoors seed from March to May. Alternatively direct sow outdoors at a depth of 13mm (1/2”) and distance of 30cm (12”) between rows from late March into a well prepared seedbed, for transplanting to their final positions later on.
Indoors, sow seed in trays of free-draining, seed sowing compost and cover with a 6mm (1/4”) layer of compost or vermiculite at a minimum temperature of 15C (60F) until after germination, which usually takes around 7 days. Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle into larger pots, or transplant from the seedbed after around 5 weeks from sowing.
Gradually acclimatise them to outdoor conditions over 7 – 10 days before planting cabbage in moist, rich, well drained soil in full sun. Allow 50cm x 40cm (20in x 16in) between plants; wider spacing will produce larger and heavier heads. Plant firmly and water well until plants are established. A fertile soil is essential as cabbages require high levels of nitrogen. Prepare the soil in early spring by adding plenty of well rotted farmyard manure to the soil to improve its structure and fertility. Plant cabbages at a distance of 50cm (20”) apart and cover with a protective netting or fleece to prevent attack from birds and insects. Place a collar around the stem of each plant to prevent cabbage root fly attacks. Water the plants thoroughly after planting.
More Info
Water cabbages regularly, particularly during dry periods. Feed throughout the growing season with a high nitrogen feed. Hoe between plants regularly to prevent weeds from establishing and bring insect larvae to the surface. Draw earth up around the base of each stem to prevent wind rock and improve the plants stability. Harvest Autumn Cabbages from late summer once the heads have matured. Culinary note: Contains many healthy antioxidants such as vitamins C, K, B1 and B6. A good source of iron, manganese and folic acid.
