Red Express Cabbage (60 Days)

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 65-85ºF. Seed Sowing Depth: 1/4” deep Starting Indoors: 4-6 weeks before last frost or 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 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 the 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: A heavy feeder. Red Express Cabbage needs to grow 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.