New & Exclusive 2008

Highly decorative, dark green, red veined leaves which show more colour as colder weather approaches. Can be eaten as a 'salad leaf'. Mature plants show excellent winter hardiness, supplying fresh winter greens when they can often be scarce. Long season of harvest. Prefers a moist, rich, well-drained soil. Good source of Vitamins A, C, K and folate and provides 50% of the daily requirement in a single 80g portion.

Sow March-August for "salad leaves' or March-June for mature plants. Sow seed thinly in a well prepared seedbed, 12mm (½in) deep in drills 23cm (9in) apart. Can also be sown in pots or trays indoors for "salad leaves' all the year round.

Transplant, when large enough to handle, about 5 weeks from sowing, to 45cm (18in) between plants each way. Plant firmly and keep well watered until established. Plants can be left unthinned for 'salad leaves'.

Ideally fleece against caterpillars and aphids.