The Red Express Cabbage is one of the earliest open-pollinated red cabbages available, bred especially for northern climates. Uniform, dense heads are a lovely purple color, medium-sized, 2-4 pounds and have a crunchy texture, perfect for garden fresh coleslaw. Red express Cabbage can be planted close together in a compact space.

30 seeds

PLANTING

Brassica oleracea

Germination:7-12 days

Germination Temperature:Optimum soil temperatures 65-85F.

Seed Sowing Depth:1/4 deep

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

SowingOutdoors:In spring when the soil temperature reaches at least 60F. 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. Sowin early summer for fall crops. Germination is slower at lower soil temperatures.

How much does a packet plant:15-20foot 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: A heavy feeder. Red Express Cabbage needs togrow in fertile soil,rich in organic matter. Amend with compost if the soil is not fertile.Provide adequate, even moisture for optimum growth.Mulching helps retain moisture.