Stalk Cabbage Cima Di Rapa Sessantina [Brassica rapa var. cymosa]

The annual stalk cabbage ‘Cima di Rapa Sessantina’ is a very fast-growing old variety of turnip cabbage. This type of cabbage is used like broccoli and has a sweet, mild and slightly bitter flavour. A classic winter vegetable for eating raw. Ideal for direct sowing, sowing spring-summer-autumn, pot cultivation possible, good for mixed cultivation, harvesting the cabbage buds.

 Description 
The stalk cabbage ‘Cima di Rapa Sessantina’ is an old annual variety of turnip cabbage from Apulia and Campania in Italy from the Mediterranean region. This fast-growing type of cabbage produces many small broccoli florets and leaves after just 5 weeks. The flavour of the tender broccoli buds is sweet and slightly bitter and can be eaten raw or steamed with the leaves and stalks. A special old relative of the turnip stalk, with the properties of mustard and broccoli, for year-round cultivation in subtropical climates and a classic winter vegetable. Can produce freshly harvested greens after just a few weeks without forming a head of cabbage.

 General information 
Plant family: Brassicaceae
Life cycle: Annual
Days to harvest: 40 days
Plant height approx.: 40 cm
Root type: Deep rooter
Nutrient requirements: Medium
Water requirements: Medium
Winter hardiness: Up to -3°C
Location: Sunny
Soil: Permeable, humus-rich loamy soil

pH value: 6.5 to 7.5

 Sowing and planting information 
Germination type: Dark germinator
Sowing depth: 0.5-1 cm
Optimal germination temperature: 15-20 °C
Germination time: 6-10 days
Plant and row spacing: 10x30 cm

Germination ability of seeds: 4-5 years

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

 Sowing by climate zone 
Subtropic climate (Mediterranean) (e. g. B. Portugal, Spain, Italy)
Direct sowing from January to November is recommended. Ideally, the plants should be planted in a sunny location. 
Moderate climate (e. g. B. Germany, Switzerland, Poland)
Direct sowing from April to August is recommended. Ideally, the plants should be planted in a sunny location. 

 General recommendations 
Direct sowing is recommended. After germination, thin out the plants to the specified plant spacing.
Stalk cabbage ‘Cima di Rapa Sessantina’ prefers a permeable, nutrient-rich, moist and humus-rich loamy soil. Doesn't tolerate waterlogging.

 Additional tips 
The broccoli buds are harvested when the plant is 20-30cm tall, before the flowers open. To prevent cabbage fly eggs from being laid, we recommend the use of vegetable protection nets. In order to quickly obtain a fine, crumbly and permeable soil with good nutrient and water storage capacity, it is recommended to additionally incorporate biochar and primary rock flour.

 Type of propagation 
Propagation occurs via seeds.

 Plant care 
Loosened, nutrient-rich and moist soil is essential. No fertilisation necessary.

 Other names 
Botanical names: Brassica rapa var. cymosa
English names: Stalk Cabbage
German names: Stängelkohl, Brokkoli Raab, Herbstbrokkoli
Portuguese names: Brócolos, Bróculos, Talo de repolho
Spanish names: Brócoli, Col de tallo
French names: Brocoli, Chou tige

 Origin 
Country: Portugal