Winter cabbage
Nutrition
Winter cabbages are an excellent source of vitamins C and K, as well as being rich in fibre and iron. They also have properties that help prevent certain types of cancer.*
How to grow
Winter cabbages require a long growing season and ideally should be sown successionally from April-June. Apply a base dressing of a general fertiliser to the site. Cabbages can be especially susceptible to fungal diseases so don’t grow them in the same soil you grew them (or other brassicas) in the previous year. And if you have acidic soil, apply lime in autumn before planting to protect from clubroot. Protect young plants from root fly with a collar around the base. Cover with a mesh or fine net to foil pests such as pigeons and cabbage white caterpillars.
Harvest
Hardy winter cabbages can be left in the ground until needed. Cut off the whole heads through the stem with a sharp knife, just above the ground. Cut red or white cabbages to store before any hard frosts.
How to store
Once harvested, handle with care to avoid bruising. Storing in a net bag or on wooden slatted racks at a cool, even temperature will allow winter cabbages to last a few weeks.
Our choices
‘Celtic’ Reliable, hardy Savoy cross, with firm heads that stand well. ‘Robin’ Very hardy, dark green/purple heads. Matures early ‘Wintessa’ Very late-maturing Savoy variety; survives the hardest winters.