[ecky]

I put a savoy type cabbage in last year "Ormskirk". Not paying much attention the last month I now find that they are begining to go to seed. Is that a result of late sowing before they hearted up? or a dry March?
I also like "spring geens" but what variety of cabbage are they. I just do not know what seeds to buy.
ecky

[VeggieVirgin]

I'm not an expert by any means, but I grew Offenham 2 Flower of Spring in modules last year and planted them out in my raised beds in the autumn. The survived being frozen at temperatures as low as -15C and buried under 12 inches of snow over the winter, and now they're pretty much at the spring greens stage and (fingers crossed) showing no desire to go to seed. According to the seed packet, I can either harvest them now or leave them for a few more weeks to form hearts.

[DD.]

You don't say how late you sowed them, but I would think it's because of that.

They are a late cabbage - for winter harvesting, not spring.

They now know it's their second year, so off they go to seed. Now is about the time of year you should be thinking of sowing them for harvesting later this year.

[ecky]

Thanks DD. More or less confirmed what I thought.  Bought on impulse purely because they were named from my home town. Can't recall when. I presume they have to bulk up before winter sets in.
Veggie, we had -19C and 3ft snow. I will look out for Offenham this time round.
Cheers

[Growster...]

Interesting that DD, about the time of year.

I've bought some 'Primo'. and want to plant them as late as possible, so I can use them around Christmas. Have I got it wrong there?

[mumofstig]

Primo is a summer/early autumn cabbage, I doubt they would stand till Christmas.
and no chance if we get a december like last years

see sow/harvest dates for primo here

http://www.unwins.co.uk/cabbage-primo-seeds-summer-pid1152.html

[Gandan57]

Don`t forget those flowering shoot are edible and very, very tasty as long as you pick them when they are young. For flavour I prefer those shoots to the cabbage itself.

 

[Growster...]

Thanks Mumofstig; Mrs Growster will be delighted that you've proved her right!

It was a mistake on my part, but I was after a coleslaw cabbage for the winter, and at the time, there wasn't much of a choice of seeds, but hey ho, I like cabbage in September as well...

[ecky]

Today harvested all Savoy, Curly kale and another but can't recall what. Will blanch and freeze. Her indoors is not impressed with amount in kitchen. Done kale. Rest tomorrow. Hopefully will get dug over tomorrow before rain (at last) comes wednesday.