WHEN TO SOW

March to May

Where to Sow

Sowings can be made in trays or modules under glass at 13°C. Later sowings can be made into a seed bed in shallow drills 2cm (3/4") deep in short rows.

What to do Next

As soon as glasshouse seedlings show their first pair of leaves, prick off into trays 5cm (2") apart or thin modules to one seedling per cell. Gradually harden off before planting out, spacing plants 45cm (18in) apart between plants and 60cm (24in) between the rows. Outdoor sowings should be thinned to 7-10cm (3-4in) apart, then once plants are 15cm (6in) tall, they can be lifted and transplanted to their final planting positions, spaced the same as detailed above.

MATURITY

July to September

HANDY TIP

Ideal for close spacing if short of space. Can be planted 30cm (12") between the plants and between rows for smaller compact heads.

NUTRITIONAL VALUES

Excellent source of vitamin A, B and C. The darkest leaves contain the most nutrients.