Red Pointed Cabbage Kalibos [Brassica oleracea var. capitata f. alba]

The biennial red pointed cabbage 'Kalibos' is a red cabbage and the only known pointed cabbage variety in the world. The taste of the crisp leaves is very tender and juicy with a mildly sweet aroma, excellent for eating raw. Ideal for pre-cultivation, sowing in spring-autumn, no pot cultivation, good for mixed cultivation, harvesting the cabbage heads.

 Description 
The red pointed cabbage 'Kalibos' is a biennial Czech red cabbage and the only known variety of this type still in existence. This almost forgotten special pointed cabbage forms cylindrical, pointed and firm cabbage heads in an attractive red color. The loose inner leaves are crisp, the taste is very tender and juicy with a mildly sweet aroma, even sweeter than the white pointed cabbage varieties. It is excellent for eating raw and is ideal for preparing red cabbage. Harvested cabbage heads have a short storage time, so it is best to harvest them directly from the bed.

 General information 
Plant family: Brassicaceae
Life cycle: Biennial
Days to harvest: 90 days
Plant height approx.: 70 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: 18-22 °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 June 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 container. 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 pointed cabbage 'Kalibos' 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 for stable growth. No fertilization necessary.

 Other names 
Botanical names: Brassica oleracea var. capitata f. alba
English names: Red pointed cabbage
German names: Roter Spitzkohl
Portuguese names: Repolho pontudo vermelho
Spanish names: Repollo rojo puntiagudo
French names: Chou rouge pointu

 Origin 
Country: Switzerland