Cabbage 'Duchy'

Where to Plant
Plant Cabbage 'Duchy' in a sunny position with fertile, firm, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil. 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, so avoid freshly dug, loose soil where possible, as a secure root system helps plants develop strong, well-formed heads.

Planting
Space plants around 30cm apart, with 30–45cm between rows. Plant each plug so the root ball sits securely in the soil, firm well around the roots and water thoroughly. Correct spacing gives the developing heads room to mature while maintaining good airflow between plants.

Watering & Feeding
Keep newly planted cabbages well watered while they establish, particularly during dry autumn weather. Once established, plants generally need little additional watering through the cooler months, but don't allow the soil to become waterlogged. As active growth picks up in spring, water during dry spells and pay particular attention as the heads begin to form and swell. Consistent moisture at this stage helps plants develop firm, well-formed heads. Mulching with well-rotted compost or organic matter will help conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

Cabbages are hungry crops and benefit from fertile soil. Well-rotted compost or manure incorporated before planting will give them a good start. As growth picks up in spring, apply a balanced vegetable fertiliser to support fresh growth and the development of firm heads, following the manufacturer's recommended application rate.

Winter Care
'Duchy' is well suited to growing through the colder months. Good drainage is particularly important during prolonged wet winter weather, so make sure excess water can drain freely around the roots. In colder or exposed gardens, horticultural fleece can be used during periods of particularly severe weather to give young plants some additional protection.

Check plants after hard frost, heavy rain or strong winds and gently firm the soil around any that have been loosened or lifted. Keeping plants securely anchored helps protect the roots and gives them a good foundation for strong growth when conditions improve in spring.

Looking After Developing Heads
Keep the growing area weed free so your cabbages aren't competing for water and nutrients. Hoe carefully and shallowly around plants to avoid damaging their relatively shallow root systems. Remove yellowing or damaged outer leaves as necessary to keep plants tidy and maintain good airflow around the crop.

Pests & Problems
Protect young plants with insect-proof mesh or suitable netting to help reduce damage from cabbage white butterflies, cabbage root fly and pigeons. Put protection in place early, secure the edges carefully and leave enough room for the plants to develop underneath.

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

Good Companions
Cabbage 'Duchy' 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 'Duchy' 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.

Harvest Young or Mature
Pick young plants as tender spring greens or leave them to mature into firm, pointed hearts with crisp, sweet leaves.

Harvest When Firm
Once the heads feel firm and well filled, cut them cleanly at the base with a sharp knife.

Harvest Over Time
'Duchy' keeps its quality well, giving you flexibility to harvest over an extended period rather than cutting every head at once.

Protect the Head
Leave a few outer leaves attached after harvesting to help protect the cabbage and keep it fresh for longer.

Flavour
Sweet, crisp and tender with a delicate flavour that's delicious both raw and cooked.

Best Enjoyed
Harvest young as spring greens or leave to mature for steaming, stir-fries, homemade coleslaw and braised cabbage dishes.

Storage
'Duchy' keeps its quality particularly well after harvest. Store whole heads in the fridge or another cool place, leaving the outer leaves attached to help maintain freshness.

Top Tip
Harvest younger heads for the sweetest flavour and tenderest texture, or leave them a little longer if you prefer larger, well-filled pointed cabbages.

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 useful head start towards your 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.