Brassica oleracea var. capitata Baby Cabbage This space-saving, early maturing baby cabbage variety quickly forms compact, dense little 5 inch heads, a perfect size for everyday meals. The tightly packed, crispy green heads have a delicious sweet flavor. Enjoy out of hand or chopped for salads or tacos, sautéed with ginger and soy sauce or a bit of butter and a pinch of caraway or cumin seed. Strong growing Pixie can take both heat or frosty weather so you can plant several times each season. Seed Count: Approx. 85 / Weight: 0.5 g Cold Winters Mild Winters Sun/Shade Sow Seeds Days to Germinate Days to Harvest May - June Feb. -AprilJuly - Aug. Full sun 1 inch apart1/2 inch deep 7 - 10 days Approx. 60 TO START INDOORS Start seeds 4 to 5 weeks before last spring frost. Sow 1 inch apart in seed starting mix, cover 1/2 inch deep and keep evenly moist. Provide a strong light source until seedlings are ready to plant out. When several inches tall, transplant seedlings 10 inches apart into rich soil in full sun, after gradually acclimating to outdoor conditions. TO START DIRECTLY OUTDOORS When all danger of frost is over, plant in well-worked, fertile soil in full sun. Sow groups of 2 to 3 seeds 10 inches apart in rows spaced 1 foot apart. When seedlings are several inches tall, thin to 1 strong plant every 10 inches. In mild winter climates, sow seeds again at midsummer for a fall crop. GROWING NOTES Cabbage needs full sun and rich, well-drained soil to produce firm, sweet heads. To avoid stunting growth, don’t let seedlings get crowded before thinning or transplanting. Keep weeded and evenly watered. Feed monthly with fish emulsion or an all-purpose fertilizer. Use non-toxic B.T. (Bacillus thuringiensis) for caterpillar pests. Floating row covers provide a good barrier method to exclude pests. Remove covers when heads begin to form. HARVEST AND USE Cut the 5 to 6 inch heads when they are very solid and well-formed. Enjoy raw as a snack, in coleslaw or quickly stir-fry, sauté, or steam. Fresh dill is delicious with cabbage.
