Cabbage Pointed 'Hispi'

Where to Plant
Plant Cabbage 'Hispi' in a sunny, sheltered position with fertile, firm, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil. Good drainage is particularly important for autumn-planted 'Hispi', as plants need to stand through the colder, wetter months before cropping the following spring. Before planting, remove weeds and work in plenty of well-rotted garden compost or manure to improve the soil. Cabbages establish best in firm ground, as a secure root system helps plants withstand winter weather and develop strong, well-formed heads.

Planting
Space plants around 30–40cm apart, with approximately 45cm between rows. Plant each plug securely at the same depth it was growing previously, firm the soil well around the roots and water thoroughly. Keep newly planted plugs watered during dry autumn weather while their roots establish before winter.

Watering & Feeding
Once established, plants generally need little additional watering during cool, wet winter weather, but don't allow the soil to become waterlogged. As temperatures rise and active growth resumes in spring, water during dry spells and pay particular attention as the pointed heads begin to form and swell. Consistent moisture at this stage supports steady growth and helps produce crisp, tender hearts.

Well-rotted compost or manure incorporated before planting will give plants a good start. In early spring, as growth begins to pick up again, apply a balanced vegetable fertiliser to provide the nutrients needed for fresh growth and developing heads. Always follow the manufacturer's recommended application rate and avoid overfeeding.

Winter Protection
Autumn-planted 'Hispi' will benefit from a sheltered position and some extra protection during severe winter weather. Cover plants with horticultural fleece or a suitable cloche during periods of hard frost, particularly in colder or exposed gardens. This helps protect young growth while the plants establish ready for strong growth in spring. Remove or lift protection during milder spells to maintain good airflow.

Good winter drainage is equally important. Make sure excess water can drain freely during prolonged wet weather, and check plants after frost, heavy rain or strong winds, gently firming the soil around any that have been loosened or lifted.

Cold, wet soil can be as damaging as frost, so make sure excess water can drain freely throughout winter. 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 when growth accelerates in spring. Hoe carefully and shallowly to avoid damaging the relatively shallow roots. Remove yellowing or badly damaged outer leaves to keep plants tidy and maintain good airflow around the developing heads.

Pests & Problems
Protect plants with suitable netting where pigeons are a problem, as they can cause considerable damage to brassica leaves during winter when other food is scarce. Insect-proof mesh can help protect plants from 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 as temperatures rise 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 regularly.

Good Companions
Cabbage 'Hispi' can be grown alongside onions, garlic, beetroot and aromatic herbs such as thyme, sage and rosemary. Calendula and nasturtiums are useful additions nearby, bringing extra colour while attracting pollinators and other beneficial insects into the vegetable garden.

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 such as clubroot.

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. Good drainage and sensible crop rotation can help reduce the risk, and avoid moving soil from an affected brassica bed into areas where you plan to grow future crops.

Top Tip:
'Hispi' is quick to mature, so check the developing heads regularly and harvest once they feel firm rather than leaving them to become oversized. The young, tender heads are one of the reasons this pointed cabbage is so good to grow.

Good Companions
Hispi grows well alongside onions, beetroot, celery, lettuce and aromatic herbs such as thyme and sage. Nasturtiums and calendula can also help attract beneficial insects.

Avoid Planting With
Avoid planting alongside other brassicas in the same area year after year, as they attract the same pests and diseases and compete for nutrients.

Plan Your Brassica Bed
Growing brassicas together makes protecting crops with insect-proof mesh much easier throughout the season.

Crop Rotation
Avoid growing cabbages where other brassicas have been planted during the previous three to four years. Rotating crops helps reduce the build-up of clubroot and other soil-borne diseases.

Harvest When Firm
Cut heads once they feel firm and well filled. Harvesting promptly gives the best flavour and texture.

Cut Cleanly
Use a sharp knife to cut through the stem just above ground level. Spring and summer cabbages may produce smaller secondary heads if you leave the stump in the ground and score a shallow cross in the top.

Harvest Regularly
Don't leave mature heads standing for too long, as they can eventually split or lose quality.

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.

Top Tip
The smaller, compact heads are just the right size for family meals, helping to reduce waste while giving you the freshest possible flavour.

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.