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Brassica oleracea
Cabbage
| Cabbage, Broccoli, Collards and Cauliflower, plus the less-often-grown Kohlrabi, Mustard Greens, Chinese Cabbage and Turnips, all belong to this family. All are cool-weather vegetables, rich in vitamins A and C and a good source of fiber. Best when matured during fall or when temperatures remain between 40º and 70º F. Cole crops tolerate early spring and late fall frosts, but aside from Collards, do poorly in hot weather. For summer crops, start seed indoors and transplant seedlings outdoors 4 to 6 weeks before last frost. Heavy feeders of nitrogen and potash, they like a soil pH between 6 to 7.5. Sow shallow-rooted plants no more than 1 inch deep. For fall crops, start seed from mid to late summer. In mild winter areas, plant from late summer through early spring for harvest from fall to spring. Watch for many pests including cabbage lopper, root maggots, cabbage worm and flea beetles, plus diseases such as club root, damping off, mildew and fusarium yellows. To reduce the risk of diseases and pests, plant where cole crops have not been grown for 3 years, and maintain proper soil pH. |
Cabbage varieties range from the classic large green heads to red and curly-leafed varieties. Plant seed or seedlings in fall through winter, so that heads mature before or after heat of summer and before freezing winter weather. Keep soil moist, or plants send up flowering stalks.
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Attributes - Brassica oleracea
Plant Type: Vegetable
Height: 1 ft. 6 in. to 2 ft.
Width: 2 ft.
Sunlight: Full Sun, Partial Sun
Climate: Zones 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Notes: Edible. Susceptible to Aphids, Beetles, Caterpillars, Root Rot.
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Related Plants
Brassica 'Green Comet', Brassica 'Packman', Brassica juncea, Brassica oleracea ancephala, Brassica oleracea botrytis 'Premium Crop', Brassica oleracea botrytis 'Snow Crown', Brassica oleracea capitata 'Round Head', Brassica oleracea capitata 'Savoy Ace', Brassica oleracea gemmifera 'Jade Cross', Brassica rapa, Brassica rapa chinensis 'Mei Quing Choi'
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