Pointed Red Cabbage Kalibos

200 Seeds

Pointed Red Cabbage 'Kalibos' is a unique heirloom cabbage variety producing cone-shaped, reddish-purple heads with a sweet, tender flavor. It is excellent for fresh salads, coleslaw, cooking, and gourmet dishes. In the Gulf region, cabbage is best grown during the cool season, as high temperatures reduce head formation quality.

Best Planting Time

• September to November (best season)
• January to February for a spring crop in cooler Gulf areas.
• Avoid planting during hot summer months.

Seed Preparation

• No soaking is required.
• Optional: Soak seeds in lukewarm water for 2–4 hours before sowing to encourage faster germination.
• Use fresh, high-quality seeds.

Soil Preparation

Cabbage grows best in fertile, moisture-retentive, well-drained soil.

Recommended mix:

• 40% Sandy loam soil
• 30% Well-rotted compost
• 20% Coco peat
• 10% Perlite

Ideal soil pH:

• 6.0–7.5

Sowing Method

• Start seeds in trays or small pots.
• Sow seeds 0.5–1 cm deep.
• Cover lightly with fine soil.
• Keep soil evenly moist.
• Transplant seedlings when they are 4–6 weeks old and have 4–6 true leaves.

Temperature & Light

• Ideal germination temperature: 18–24°C
• Ideal growing temperature: 15–22°C
• Requires 6–8 hours of sunlight daily.
• In the Gulf, protect young plants from strong afternoon heat.

Watering

• Keep soil consistently moist during growth.
• Water deeply when the top 2–3 cm of soil becomes dry.
• Avoid irregular watering, which can cause head splitting.
• Avoid waterlogging.

Germination Time

• 7–14 days

Plant Spacing

• 40–50 cm between plants.
• 50–60 cm between rows.

Harvest

• Harvest approximately 70–90 days after transplanting.
• Heads are ready when they feel firm and compact.
• Cut heads with a sharp knife, leaving outer leaves if a second small harvest is desired.

Fertilization

• Add compost before planting.
• Feed with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer during early leaf growth.
• Switch to a balanced fertilizer during head formation.
• Add calcium if your soil is deficient to reduce growth problems.

Gulf Climate Tips

• Grow only during the cooler months.
• Use mulch to keep soil temperature stable and conserve moisture.
• Provide good air circulation to reduce fungal diseases.
• Use shade cloth during unexpected warm periods.
• Monitor for cabbage worms, aphids, whiteflies, snails, and fungal leaf diseases.
• 'Kalibos' performs very well in raised beds, vegetable gardens, and large containers in Gulf climates.