Red Cabbage Rodynda [Brassica oleracea convar. capitata var. rubra]

The biennial red cabbage 'Rodynda' is a tried and tested short-stemmed cabbage variety with a round to high oval head. Mildly spicy and sweet with an aromatic taste. Ideal for eating raw. Cabbages can be stored for months. Ideal for pre-cultivation, sowing in spring or autumn, no pot cultivation, good for mixed cultivation, harvesting the cabbages.

 Description 
The red cabbage 'Rodynda' is a biennial, proven short-stemmed cabbage variety that has been cultivated since 1972 on the biodynamic Dottenfelderhof farm in Germany. The vigorous red cabbage develops strong roots, strong outer leaves and is resilient. The round to high oval head has a firm structure and a short inner stem. The aromatic taste is mildly spicy and sweet and not hot, making it ideal for eating raw. Harvested cabbage heads can be stored for a few months.

 General information 
Plant family: Brassicaceae
Life cycle: Biennial
Days to harvest: 80 days
Plant height approx.: 60 cm
Root type: Deep rooter
Nutrient requirements: High
Water requirements: Medium
Winter hardiness: Up to -10°C
Location: Sunny
Soil: Permeable, humus-rich loamy soil

pH value: 3.5 to 4.5

 Sowing and planting information 
Germination type: Dark germinator
Sowing depth: 0.5-1 cm
Optimal germination temperature: 15-20 °C
Germination time: 7-14 days
Plant and row spacing: 50x50 cm

Germination ability of seeds: 4-5 years

 Mixed culture 
Optimal mixed culture: Basil, Marigold, Tagetes, Rosemary, Soy, Bean, Pea
Unfavorable mixed culture: Kohlrabi, Mustard, Radish, other types of cabbage

 Sowing by climate zone 
Subtropic climate (Mediterranean) (e. g. B. Portugal, Spain, Italy)
Pre-cultivation is recommended from January to April or in autumn from September to November. The plants should ideally be planted in a sunny location.
Moderate climate (e. g. B. Germany, Switzerland, Poland)
Pre-cultivation from March to May or in late summer from August to September is recommended. The plants should ideally be planted in a sunny location.

 General recommendations 
Pre-cultivation and subsequent planting at the specified planting distance is recommended. For pre-cultivation, sow the seeds in a small bowl and let the seedlings grow until the first visible cabbage leaves appear, then transplant them into the desired containers. After transplanting, let the seedlings grow at moderate temperatures until they are planted out as seedlings. Plant the seedlings in the bed from the second pair of leaves after the cotyledons.
Red cabbage 'Rodynda' does not tolerate waterlogging.

 Additional tips 
The color of red cabbage varies from red to blue depending on the pH value and soil composition. To prevent cabbage flies from laying eggs, we recommend using vegetable protection nets. To quickly obtain a fine, crumbly and permeable soil with good nutrient and water retention capacity, we recommend additionally incorporating biochar and primary rock flour.

 Type of propagation 
Propagation occurs via seeds.

 Plant care 
Loose, nutrient-rich and moist soil is essential. No fertilization necessary.

 Other names 
Botanical names: Brassica oleracea convar. capitata var. rubra
English names: Red cabbage
German names: Rotkohl, Rotkraut, Blaukraut
Portuguese names: Repolho vermelho
Spanish names: Repollo rojo
French names: Chou rouge

 Origin 
Country: Switzerland