One of the best round red cabbages there is. Large, tightly packed hearts with crisp, ruby red leaves. Excellent standing in the ground and storing ability.

Sow under glass in February-March 1.5mm (1/16in) deep in good seed compost, cover with vermiculite. Germination takes 5-10 days at 20-30C (65-70F).

Sowing can also be made outdoors in a well-raked seed bed in March-April. Sow thinly 12mm (½in) deep in rows 23cm (9in) apart. Keep the soil moist until germination. Transplant 60cm (24in) apart at the 5-6 leaf stage in good, firm, soil. Before planting, rake in 3oz sq. yd of a balanced fertilizer.

Transplant when large enough to handle into boxes 5cm (2in) apart. Gradually acclimatise to outdoor conditions for 10-15 days before planting out in April-May 60x60cm (24x24in) apart.

Water in dry weather and give liquid feed as the heads start to develop. Harvest from July-October, dependent on sowing date. To avoid the danger of Clubroot grow your Brassicas in a different site each year so that they only occupy the same spot once in four years. Days to maturity: 110

Delicious as a pickle and a refreshing change as a lightly cooked vegetable with shallots.