Summer Red cabbage 'Ruphus'

800 seeds

How to Seed Summer Red Cabbage ‘Ruphus’ (Brassica oleracea)

1. Sowing Time:
   Sow seeds indoors from February to April, or directly outdoors from April to June when the soil has warmed. Early sowing produces stronger plants and an earlier harvest.

2. Sowing Depth:
   Sow seeds 1–1.5 cm deep in moist, fine soil or seed compost. Cover lightly and firm gently.

3. Soil:
   Prefers rich, firm, well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter. For best results, mix compost or aged manure before planting. Soil pH should be slightly alkaline (6.5–7.5).

4. Light & Temperature:
   Choose a sunny location. Ideal temperature for germination is 15–20 °C (59–68 °F).

5. Germination Time:
   Seeds usually germinate in 7–12 days under warm, moist conditions.

6. Transplanting:
   When seedlings are about 10–15 cm tall and have 4–6 true leaves, transplant them outdoors, spacing 40–50 cm apart in rows 45–60 cm apart. Firm the soil around the base after planting.

7. Growing Tips:

   • Water regularly, especially during dry periods — cabbage prefers even, consistent moisture.

   • Apply organic fertilizer or compost tea every 3–4 weeks for healthy growth.

   • Protect young plants from pests like cabbage worms and aphids using fine netting.

   • The ‘Ruphus’ variety produces dense, round heads with deep red-purple leaves, ideal for fresh salads, pickling, and cooking.

   • Harvest in about 80–100 days after transplanting.