Brassica oleracea var. capitata f. rubra ‘Red Cabbage’ SEEDS

Brassica oleracea var. capitata f. rubra ‘Red Cabbage’ seeds grow into red cabbage one of the most visually striking European cabbages, its deep purple to red leaves coloured by anthocyanin pigments whose hue changes with soil pH (redder in acidic, more purple to blue in neutral/alkaline conditions). Brassica oleracea var. capitata L. is the headed cabbage; f. rubra (‘red’) distinguishes the anthocyanin-pigmented forms. Brassica oleracea L. (Linnaeus) is native to the coastal cliffs of western Europe. Red cabbage has been cultivated in Europe since at least the 16th century. Dense, round to somewhat flattened heads with smooth, waxy, deep red-purple leaves. Excellent storage quality anthocyanins are preservative. Multi-use: food, medicine (traditional anti-inflammatory). Family Brassicaceae.

Full sun; fertile, moist, well-drained soils; cool temperate conditions. Sow spring for summer-autumn harvest, or summer for winter storage heads. Excellent cold-hardiness and long storage life. Note: open-pollinated cultivar may show some variation from seed.

• F. rubra = red (anthocyanin pigments; colour varies with pH acid=red, alkaline=blue-purple)
• Capitata = with a head; B. oleracea L. (Linnaeus); W. European coastal origin; red cabbage cultivated since 16th century
• Excellent storage quality; anthocyanins act as preservatives; traditional medicine use; sauerkraut and braised dishes
• Genus Brassica: 37 species; Eurasia; Family Brassicaceae; Order Brassicales
• Full sun; fertile moist soils; cool temperate; very cold-hardy; excellent storage; Family Brassicaceae

Brassica oleracea var. capitata f. rubra ‘Red Cabbage’ is one of Europe’s most beautiful and nutritionally rich traditional vegetables, its deep purple leaves a natural pH indicator in both the garden and the pot adding colour to everything from Bavarian braised dishes to Scandinavian pickled preparations, with a history of cultivation stretching back to the early modern period.

IMPORTANT: Pictures show the adult plant, which is not for sale. The offer is only for seeds.