This is a hardy winter cabbage, not even severe frost seems to bother it. The heads are crisp and crunchy with good flavour and the leaf is a conifer-blue colour.

Sow outdoors in a well prepared seed bed in spring, or alternatively, in a greenhouse or frame. Sow thinly 12mm (½in) deep in rows 23cm (9in) apart. If the soil is dry, water well and allow to drain before sowing.

Transplant at the 5-6 leaf stage allowing 60cm (12in) between plants. The soil should be firm and contain plenty of well rotted compost, preferably from a previous crop, it should also be well limed. Just before planting, rake in 3oz/sq yd of a balanced fertiliser.

Hoe occasionally and water if the weather is dry. Harvest in very late winter.