New & Exclusive 2008

An eye catching reddish-purple top leaf contrasts with the green undersides and the bright green stems. The purplish colour is enhanced by cooler autumn weather.

Ready to harvest in 30 days from sowing as 'baby leaf' or 45-70 days as semi-mature to full size heads. Earlier and later sowings for 'baby leaf' can be made under cloches or fleece.

Sow March to July. Sow thinly, 12mm (½in) deep, in rows 38cm ( 15in) apart.

Thin to 10cm (4in) for 'baby leaf', to 20cm (8in) for larger plants and to 30cm (12in) for fully mature plants.

Keep well watered throughout the growing period to avoid bolting and lack of flavour.

Harvest : April to October.

For use in salads or stir fries as a 'baby leaf', used in a variety of Oriental dishes, as a cooked vegetable when semi mature or as fully grown heads.