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Brassica oleracea Red Jewel Cabbage

Brassica oleracea Red Jewel Cabbage is a premium hybrid variety valued for its vibrant deep red color, uniform globe-shaped heads, and dense internal texture. Growing to about 12 to 15 inches tall with a spread of 24 to 30 inches, this variety is a favorite for both market growers and home gardeners who desire a reliable, heavy-yielding crop. Unlike many standard red cabbages, Red Jewel is celebrated for its ability to hold well in the field without splitting and its impressive post-harvest storage life, providing fresh, crisp greens well into the winter.

 

Culinary and Practical Uses

  • The crisp, tightly packed leaves offer a sweet, slightly peppery flavor and a satisfying crunch, making them perfect for shredding into colorful coleslaws and fresh salads.
  • Excellent for pickling and braising; the deep ruby color holds up well during cooking and adds visual appeal to warm dishes.
  • High in vitamins C and K, as well as anthocyanins (antioxidants), making it a nutritious staple for healthy, immunity-boosting diets.

 

Characteristics

  • Foliage: Deep ruby-red to purple, waxy leaves form tight, solid, round heads averaging 3 to 4 pounds; the wrapper leaves provide excellent protection against sun and pests.
  • Growth Habit: Compact and uniform rosette formation; the heads sit high enough off the ground to minimize rot and make harvesting easy.
  • Flowers: If left unharvested through a second season (biennial), the plant produces tall stalks of bright yellow, four-petaled flowers that attract pollinators.
  • Seeds: Small, round, dark brown to black seeds; vigorous germination makes them suitable for starting indoors 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost.

 

Growing Requirements

  • Sun: Requires full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight) to develop the dense heads and deep red coloration.
  • Soil: Thrives in rich, fertile, well-draining soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5; calcium-rich soil helps prevent tip burn.
  • Water: Needs consistent, even moisture; irregular watering can cause the heads to split. Mulching is highly recommended to retain soil moisture.
  • Spacing: Plant seedlings 18 to 24 inches apart in rows spaced 30 to 36 inches apart to allow for full head development and airflow.
  • Maintenance: Feed with a balanced fertilizer or nitrogen-rich compost early in the season; avoid high nitrogen later on to prevent loose heads.

 

Shipping Info Red Jewel Cabbage seeds ship as fresh, high-quality, viable seeds that are carefully packaged for stability and protection from damage during transit. Prompt shipping supports reliable germination and seasonally appropriate planting.

 

Growing Zones

3b - 9a
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Low Temperature

20°F

High Temperature

80°F

Fragrant

No

Polinator Required

No

Polinator Friendly

Yes (If allowed to flower in the second year, the yellow blooms attract bees)

Flower Color

Green Purple

Growth Rate

Moderate

Soil

Rich, fertile, loamy, well-drained

Moisture

Moderate

Sun Exposure

Full sun (at least 6 hours/day)

Mature Spread

24 – 30 inches

Mature Height

12 – 15 inches

Bloom Period

Summer

Pruning Time

Harvest when heads feel firm and solid

Pet Safe

Yes

Perennial / Annual

Annual

Evergreen / Deciduous

Deciduous

Blossomdale
Blossomdale
Blossomdale

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