(Summer)

A deliciously sweet tasting summer ball-head Cabbage of exceptional quality, producing compact, round, shiny heads which have good standing and are not prone to splitting. Plants also have good resistance to bolting. Ideal sliced raw in salads and stir-fries as well as a steamed vegetable.

For earliest crops, sow February to early March in seedtrays or pots of good seed compost at 15-20C (59-68F) under glass or in a propagator. For outdoor sowings, sow March to July thinly in a prepared seedbed, 12mm (½ inch) deep, in rows 38cm (15 inches) apart. Keep well watered and cover plants with fine netting to deter birds and cabbage caterpillar attack.

Transplant when large enough to handle into well prepared, firmed soil allowing 30cm (12 inches) between plants each way. For 'baby heads', Elisa can be closely spaced by about 15cm (6 inches) to produce tennis ball sized heads. Plant firmly with lower leaves just above soil level. Water until established and keep weed free.

Prefers an open site and a fertile, well-drained soil. Harvest June to October.