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.