Cabbage Pointed 'Hispi'

Where to Plant

Plant Cabbage 'Hispi' in a sunny, sheltered position with fertile, firm, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil. Before planting, remove weeds and incorporate well-rotted garden compost or manure if needed. Cabbages establish best in firm ground, as a secure root system helps plants develop strong, well-formed heads. Good drainage is particularly important for autumn-planted crops that will remain in the ground over winter.

Planting

Space plants around 30–40cm apart, with 40–50cm between rows. Plant each plug or garden-ready plant firmly, keeping the rootball at approximately the same depth it was growing previously. Water thoroughly after planting and keep newly planted crops watered during dry weather while their roots establish.

Watering & Feeding

Keep the soil consistently moist during active growth, particularly as the pointed heads begin to form and swell. Water thoroughly during dry spells rather than giving frequent light sprinklings. Avoid allowing the soil to become waterlogged.

Well-rotted compost or manure incorporated before planting will help provide the nutrients needed for healthy growth. Apply a balanced vegetable fertiliser if required, following the manufacturer's recommended rate. Overwintered plants may benefit from feeding in early spring as active growth resumes.

Winter Protection

If growing 'Hispi' from autumn planting for a spring harvest, choose a sheltered position and protect young plants with horticultural fleece or a suitable cloche during periods of hard frost. This is particularly important in colder or exposed gardens, as 'Hispi' should not be treated as reliably winter-hardy in all UK conditions. Remove or lift covers during milder weather to maintain good airflow.

Check plants after periods of frost, heavy rain or strong winds and gently firm the soil around any that have been loosened or lifted.

Looking After Your Plants

Keep the growing area weed free so plants aren't competing for water and nutrients. Hoe carefully and shallowly to avoid damaging the roots. Remove badly damaged or decaying outer leaves where necessary to help maintain good airflow around developing heads.

Pests & Problems

Protect plants with suitable netting where pigeons are a problem, particularly during winter when other food is scarce. Insect-proof mesh can help protect against cabbage white butterflies and cabbage root fly when these pests become active in warmer weather.

Check the undersides of leaves regularly for caterpillars and aphids so small infestations can be dealt with before they build up. Slugs and snails may also damage plants during mild, damp weather, so check around the base and beneath the outer leaves.

Good Companions

Cabbage 'Hispi' can be grown alongside onions, garlic, beetroot and aromatic herbs such as thyme, sage and rosemary, provided each crop has enough room to develop. Calendula and nasturtiums can also be grown nearby to attract pollinators and other beneficial insects. Companion planting should not replace suitable netting or insect-proof mesh to protect against cabbage pests.

Plan Your Brassica Bed

Growing 'Hispi' alongside other brassicas such as broccoli, cauliflower and kale can make your vegetable plot easier to manage. Keeping these crops together makes it simpler to protect the whole area with suitable netting or insect-proof mesh and helps you keep track of where brassicas have been grown from one year to the next.

Crop Rotation

Avoid planting cabbage or other brassicas in the same area year after year. Moving them to a different part of your vegetable garden as part of a three- to four-year crop rotation helps reduce the build-up of soil-borne problems. However, rotation alone will not eliminate clubroot once it is established in the soil.

Reducing the Risk of Clubroot

Clubroot causes swollen, distorted roots and can leave cabbages stunted or prone to wilting. Once present in the soil it can persist for many years, so prevention is particularly important. Maintain good drainage, check soil pH before applying lime and avoid moving soil from affected brassica beds into areas where you plan to grow future crops.

Harvest When Firm

Cut the pointed heads once they feel firm and well filled. 'Hispi' is particularly good harvested young, when its leaves are sweet, crisp and tender.

Cut Cleanly

Use a sharp knife to cut through the stem just above ground level. If the plant remains healthy, leaving the stump in place may encourage a few smaller secondary heads to develop, although these are not guaranteed.

Harvest Regularly

Check the developing heads frequently as they approach maturity. Don't leave fully developed cabbages standing for too long, as they may eventually split or lose quality.

Top Tip

'Hispi' is quick to mature, so harvest the pointed heads as soon as they feel firm rather than waiting for them to grow as large as possible. The young, tender leaves are one of the best reasons to grow this variety.

Flavour

'Hispi' is prized for its naturally sweet flavour and crisp, tender leaves.

Best Enjoyed

Delicious steamed, stir-fried, shredded into salads or roasted in wedges until lightly caramelised.

Storage

Store whole heads in the fridge for up to a week. Once cut, wrap any remaining cabbage and refrigerate.

Plug Plants
Supplied as healthy young plants with well-developed roots, plug plants are ready to be planted straight into their final growing position or potted on if preferred. Water well on arrival and keep the compost evenly moist while they establish.

Garden Ready Plants
Our Garden Ready plants have been professionally grown on, making them larger, stronger and ready to plant straight into the garden. They establish quickly, giving you a valuable head start towards a successful harvest.

9cm Potted Plants
Supplied in individual 9cm nursery pots, these well-established plants are ready to plant straight into vegetable gardens, raised beds or allotments. Simply plant, water thoroughly and keep the soil consistently moist while they settle in.

Upon Arrival
Remove your plants from their packaging as soon as they arrive and give them a thorough watering. If you can't plant them immediately, keep them in a cool, sheltered spot out of direct sunlight and drying winds, ensuring the compost remains moist until you're ready to plant.