How to grow Organic Savoy Cabbage Vertus from Seed

Embrace the unique taste and winter resilience of Organic Savoy Cabbage Vertus! This heritage variety produces captivating blistered leaves nestled on large, flat heads, offering abundant harvests and rich flavour throughout the cooler months. Perfectly suited to UK gardens, Vertus thrives in chilly temperatures, extending your fresh vegetable enjoyment and adding a nutritional punch to winter meals.

Planting Instructions:

• Sowing:
  • Spring: Direct sow outdoors from mid-April to June.
  • Autumn: For winter harvest, sow indoors in July, transplanting seedlings outdoors in September.
• Seed depth: Sow seeds 1.5cm deep.
• Spacing: Thin seedlings to 45cm between plants and 50cm between rows.

Growing Needs:

• Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade.
• Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil enriched with compost.
• Watering: Water regularly, especially during dry periods, but avoid overwatering.
• Feeding: Feed with a general-purpose organic fertiliser every few weeks.

Harvesting:

• Ready: When heads are firm and feel heavy, usually 90-100 days after sowing.
• Method: Cut the head at the base, leaving a few outer leaves attached.
• Storing: Fresh cabbage stores for up to a week in the fridge. For longer preservation, ferment Vertus for a delicious and vibrant sauerkraut.

Bonus Tips:

• Succession sowing: Make repeat sowings every few weeks for a continuous harvest.
• Earthing up: As the plant grows, pull soil up around the stem for support.
• Companion planting: Interplant with herbs like dill or thyme for pest control.
• Winter protection: Cover young plants with fleece or netting during harsh winters.

Cultivate bountiful winter harvests and savour the distinct flavour of Organic Savoy Cabbage Vertus!