Griffaton RED CABBAGE RUBY BALL 10GM

Cabbage 'Ruby Ball' is a uniform, early maturing, vigorous red cabbage producing deep red, solid and compact heads for late summer and autumn cropping. The remarkably sweet flavour and high quality makes this variety ideal for cooking as well as pickling. Height: 40cm (16”). Spread: 60cm (24”).

Botanical Information

Botanical Name: Brassica oleracea var. capitata f. rubra

Common Names: Red Cabbage, Ruby Ball

Physical Characteristics

Head Size: Produces round, compact heads that are about 15-20 cm (6-8 inches) in diameter

Weight: Heads typically weigh between 1-2 kg (2.2-4.4 lbs)

Leaf Characteristics: Deep purple-red leaves with a firm texture

Growth and Development

Days to Germination: Seeds typically germinate within 5-10 days under optimal conditions

Days to Maturity: Ready for harvest in 60-65 days in summer and 75-95 days in winter2

Growing Conditions

Sunlight: Prefers full sun to partial shade. Ensure the plants receive at least 6 hours of sunlight per day for optimal growth

Soil: Thrives in well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8. Adding organic matter or compost to the soil can improve fertility and structure

Watering: Requires moderate watering, about 2.5 cm (1 inch) per week. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged

Planting Instructions

Direct Sowing: Sow seeds directly in the garden after the last frost date. Ideal for outdoor planting in early spring or fall

Indoor Starting: For an early start, sow seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost. Transplant seedlings into the garden once they have at least two sets of true leaves

Seed Depth: Plant seeds 0.6 cm (1/4 inch) deep

Spacing: Space seeds 30-45 cm (12-18 inches) apart. Thin seedlings to 45-60 cm (18-24 inches) apart to give each plant ample room to grow

Care and Maintenance

Thinning: Thin seedlings when they reach about 5 cm (2 inches) tall to prevent overcrowding and ensure strong, healthy plants

Mulching: Apply mulch around the plants to retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature

Fertilization: Red Cabbage benefits from regular feeding with a balanced fertilizer. Apply fertilizer at planting and again mid-season for best results

Pest Management: Watch out for common pests such as aphids, cabbage worms, and flea beetles. Use organic pest control methods like neem oil or insecticidal soap if necessary

Harvesting

Head Harvesting: Begin harvesting heads when they are firm and reach the desired size. Regularly harvesting the heads encourages new growth

Cut-and-Come-Again Method: Cut the heads just above the soil level to promote regrowth. This method allows for continuous harvests throughout the growing season

Uses and Benefits

Culinary Uses: The heads of Ruby Ball cabbage are versatile and can be used in salads, coleslaw, soups, stews, and as a cooked vegetable. They are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like calcium and iron

Nutritional Benefits: Red Cabbage is known for its high nutritional value, providing essential nutrients and antioxidants

Cold Hardiness: This variety is cold-hardy and drought-resistant, making it a reliable crop in various climates

Red Cabbage 'Ruby Ball' is an excellent addition to your garden, offering both nutritional and culinary benefits