A wonderfully wrinkled, winter cabbage resistant to colder temperatures. 'Invernale Mantovano' is a late, large-headed savoy cabbage (named after the region in France) more tender and sweet than standard green and red cabbages. The emerald foliage is decorative enough to be planted alongside ornamental plants and flowers until it is harvested from November onwards.
Growing instructions:
Early sowings, from March, can be made into pots or seed trays under glass at 55°F (13°C). Germination takes 1-2 weeks. Pot on as the seedlings grow and gradually harden off before planting out, spacing plants 40-45cm (16-18”) apart between plants and 45-60cm (18-24”) between the rows. Alternatively, sow later in spring into shallow drills in a well-prepared seedbed, thinning seedlings to 10cm (4”) apart. When plants reach 15cm tall, transplant to where they are to grow, spacing as detailed above and firming in well. Protect from slugs and net against pigeons.
Sow: March to May
Harvest: November to February
Eventual height:
0.3m
Eventual spread:
0.45m
Position:
Full sun / light shade
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil