Kalibos Cabbage (Heirloom, 85 Days)

Heirloom. This Eastern European heirloom is not your typical cabbage. Kalibos Cabbage has a brilliant amethyst head with a conical shape and is single dish sized, producing well in a small space. We found that if the plants are grown tightly they grow upward and rise out of the garden. Heads are dense and sweet, having a high sugar content, crunchy and perfect raw, for coleslaw and salads. Good keeper.  

30 seeds 

PLANTING

Brassica oleracea

Germination: 7-12 days

Germination Temperature: Optimum soil temperatures 65-85ºF.

Seed Sowing Depth: 1/4” deep

Starting Indoors: 4-6 weeks before the last frost or 4-6. Sow 2-3 seeds per cell/pot. Thin to the strongest seedling. Fertilize the seedlings every 7-10 days with a liquid or water-soluble fertilizer, diluted to ¼ of the suggested measurement. Transplant a week or two before the last frost. Sow in late spring to transplant out for fall crops. 

Sowing Outdoors: In spring when soil temperature reaches at least 60ºF. Sow 2-3 seeds every 15-18” apart for small headed varieties, 24-36” for large headed varieties. Thin to the strongest seedling per space. Sow in early summer for fall crops. Germination is slower at lower soil temperatures.

How much does a packet plant: 15-20 foot single row

Harvest:  If the heads feel solid by pushing on them lightly they are ready to harvest. Harvest as soon as possible for early varieties to prevent splitting. Later maturing storage varieties will hold longer.

Tips: Kalibos Cabbage needs to be provided with fertile soil, rich in organic matter from the very beginning of its growth in the garden. Provide adequate, even moisture for the best growth. Mulching helps retain moisture. Bolting happens when the plants are under stressful conditions such as heat, water, and night temperatures under 50ºF.