Cabbage, Winter : Caraflex

Brassica oleracea var. capitata

Approx. :  35 seeds per pack

Caraflex is a fast growing versatile pointed cabbage. Can be produced throughout the summer into autumn. 

F1 Hybrid seed. Sow late January to June. Harvest June to September

How to grow:

Grow in the brassica section of your rotation.

Sow successionally from April to May

Pests and diseases:

The seedlings can be susceptible to slug damage and the older plants can be ruined by cabbage white butterfly caterpillars.

The best way to protect from this is to net with enviromesh during the Summer. Once harvested the stems can be composted but they are very tough. You can pulverise them with a hammer to help them break down faster.

Brassicas are affected by a wide range of pests and diseases, especially the fungal disease, club root. The roots become stubby and swollen and can develop wet rot, while leaves become yellow and wilt, causing severe stunting of growth. Remove any infected plants from the ground and destroy. Make sure the soil is adequately limed and well drained. Rotate your crops annually to avoid disease. Don't grow brassicas on the same plot more often than one year in three, as moving the crop helps avoid the build up of soil pests and diseases

How to cook:

Harvest cabbages as required. Remove the outer leaves and compost them. Cut the cabbage in half and then shred to the desired thickness.

Steam or boil in a little water until tender. Do not overcook. Cabbages are great in stir fry, soup, stews, and with potatoes in Irish Colcannon. Leaves can be stuffed or grated for salads like coleslaw.