Red Kalibos Cabbage is a versatile veggie with various uses and varieties. There are two main types of cabbage: loose-headed and hard-headed, with colors ranging from dark green to purple and white. Some cabbages produce most effectively at different points in the season. Early season cabbage is the sweetest, but has the shortest shelf life. Mid-season is the most familiar and fastest to grow. Late season cabbage is cold hardy and is perfect for storage. Late-season cabbages often have tightly packed heads that last three months in the refrigerator crisper!
The perfect addition to any garden! Red Kalibos Cabbage is easy to grow and there's one for every season!
Soil Preparation
Soil should be rich with organic material but loose enough to work with. Add a mixture of one part compost and one part sand to keep the soil rich and well-drained. Like broccoli and Brussels sprouts, Red Kalibos Cabbage has club root. Club root attacks the root structure and deforms it into gnarly knots and nodules. This has a negative effect on the roots' ability to absorb water and nutrients.
To prevent club root, compress the soil where you want to plant, removing air gaps that lead to the disease. Dig a trench approximately 2 inches deep and then lightly compress the soil down with your foot or by pressing firmly with your hand. The soil should still be crumbly when moved but have a noticeable density from the reduced air pockets. This is the same for any brassica vegetable like broccoli and cauliflower. Red Kalibos Cabbage thrives in most soils as long as adequate moisture is present.
Fertilization
Red Kalibos Cabbage requires nitrogen-rich fertilizer. Nitrogen is vital for cabbage leaf growth. Red Kalibos Cabbage is a heavy feeder because of its leaf development. It's wise to add a second helping of nitrogen-rich fertilizer 6-8 weeks after transplanting, especially if lots of rain has fallen. We apply Trifecta+ to the soil once before planting, and then again mid-season to boost the nutrients surrounding the plant.
pH Levels
Alkaline soil is best for all cabbage types. Aim for a pH of 7-7.5.
Sunlight
Red Kalibos Cabbage needs 5-7 hours of daily sun. The more sun they get, the better the leaf growth. Full sun is especially important for head growth.
Watering
Generally, provide 1/2 gallon or 1 inch of water per week for most climates, but ensure the soil has adequate moisture to begin with. However, Red Kalibos Cabbage is more drought-resistant than other brassicas. Apply moisture evenly late in the season, or developing heads may split. Also, avoid late evening overhead watering because this leads to diseases such as black rot and downy mildew.
Spacing
If Red Kalibos Cabbage is planted too close together, they will rot due to a lack of airflow. Space them 12-24 inches apart to give enough room for the leaves to grow. This also gives you more space to harvest when the time comes.
Temperature
This cold-weather crop will germinate in temperatures 45-85°F. Late-season varieties can be harvested well into December in northern climates because of their tolerance to cold temperatures. Red Kalibos Cabbage withstands temperatures down to 20°F. Plant in April for an early crop, and early July for a late crop.
Harvesting
Red Kalibos Cabbage takes 60-95 days to mature. As the season progresses, heads will form at the center of the greens. Harvest when the heads are firm and reach the desired size. Cabbages not harvested at the right time will split their heads. You can slow down this process by twisting the heads or slicing the roots. For the best flavor, eat it as soon as possible after picking. However, under the right conditions (35°F with 95 percent humidity), you can store cabbage for up to six months with little to no loss in quality, as long as you keep them away from apples, bananas, or other ethylene-generating fruits.
Benefits of Composting with HVO Compost Starter™
Composting offers numerous benefits, including enriching soil, reducing waste, and promoting healthier plant growth. Using the Hawaiian Bokashi Compost Starter™ can significantly enhance these benefits. This compost starter accelerates decomposition by breaking down organic matter and generating billions of beneficial microbes, which creates a nutrient-rich compost faster and with reduced odor.
Key Benefits:
- Enriched Soil: The HVO Compost Starter™ introduces 34 essential nutrients into your compost, supporting robust microbial growth and improving soil health.
- Sustainable Gardening: By reducing the need for external fertilizers, this compost starter promotes eco-friendly gardening practices, creating a thriving, sustainable garden ecosystem.
- Improved Plant Growth: The beneficial microorganisms enhance nutrient uptake and photosynthesis, leading to vibrant, robust plants.
Nurture your soil with Hawaiian Bokashi Inoculant™. This powerful blend introduces a diverse community of beneficial microorganisms to enrich soil, fostering a harmonious relationship between microbes and plants.
- Soil Transformation: Enhance soil texture and moisture retention, improving overall soil quality.
- Nutrient Boost: Convert nutrients into plant-accessible forms, ensuring optimal growth.
- Root Power: Stimulate robust root development, leading to stronger, healthier plants.
- Sustainable Gardening: Align with eco-friendly gardening practices, reducing environmental impact.
Boost your garden's resilience and productivity with HVO Beneficial Microbial Inoculant Liquid Concentrate™ foliar spray. Our bokashi formulation introduces beneficial microbes that work symbiotically with root systems, improving plant health and yield.
- Enhanced Soil Vitality: Enriches soil with essential minerals for healthier plants, improving overall soil fertility.
- Versatile Applications: Suitable for various needs, from agriculture to household use, making it a versatile solution for all gardeners.
Usage Tips
- Agriculture: Enhance crop yield and plant health.
- Gardening: Promote lush growth in home gardens.
- Horticulture: Boost fruit tree and shrub growth.
- Lawn Care: Improve soil quality and plant resilience.
- Soil Remediation: Effective in improving soil conditions for sustainable gardening.
Incorporating Bokashi Compost starter™, Incorporating Hawaiian Bokashi Inoculant™, and HVO Beneficial Microbial Inoculant Liquid Concentrate™ into your gardening practices can significantly enhance organic cabbage growth and health. By following these detailed guidelines, you can enjoy a thriving, nutrient-rich garden. For more gardening tips and inspiration, visit our website Hawaiian Volcanic Organic, and stay connected on social media.
Incorporate these guidelines into your gardening routine, and you'll enjoy a rich harvest of Red Kalibos Cabbage. Happy Gardening!