Growing Cabbage, Kale and Collards

The difference between cabbage and kale is fairly straightforward - one forms a heart and the other doesn't - although some say there is also a difference in flavor.

Sowing seeds in cool soil can cause some varieties to bolt, but otherwise the growing requirements growing cabbage are the same as for cauliflower and broccoli.

Varieties to grow

Among the cabbages, there are three main groups - conical head varieties, ballhead varieties and savoys (which have a crinkly texture to the leaves). Generally, they all have similar requirements although the conicals do a bit better in warmer areas.

The range of kale varieties on the other hand seems almost endless. to demonstrate the range available here are just two - Russian Kale and Curly Kale:

The story of cabbages and their relatives has more to do with the amazing diversity in forms and varieties than any special tricks or techniques in their cultivation. For this reason, rather than write a lot of stuff here that is easily available elsewhere, you can use the list of useful links below to find out more. Keep coming back though, as we will be adding more as we can.

You can also keep up with this growing body of information by subscribing to our Free email newsletter - The Food Gardener.

Further Reading and Useful Links

Cabbage recipes
This is a really fascinating site, with more than 200 recipes and even information on buying and storing cabbages.

"Of Cabbages and Celts"
Perhaps you can't judge a book by its cover, but every now and then you come across a website you just know is going to be a good one. This one tells the story of the history of cabbages that is way more interesting than the vegetable itself my lead you to expect.