Cabbage 'Cuor di Bue Grosso' (Cabbage)

Cabbage doesn't require warm soil to germinate so you should direct seed as soon as the soil is workable, no more than ¾ inch (2 cm) deep and 3 inches (8 cm) apart. If you choose to start indoors, plants may be started up to 8 weeks before last frost. Bottom heat soil to about 75F (25C) until seeds germinate and then maintain an air temp close to 60F with direct sun to prevent legginess. Plant out when seedlings are up to 6 weeks old. Spacing depends on variety; use a closer spacing (12 inch or 30 cm and up) for early varieties which are typically smaller and wide spaces (up to 34 inches or 85 cm) for late season varieties which tend to be larger. Start your fall crops by sowing out seed in midsummer. To prevent insect problems on young plants use floating row covers, but since these plants are shallow rooted opt to mulch over hoeing to prevent weeds. Rotate crops to prevent disease buildup but don't include other members of the cabbage family in your rotation.