Description

Cabbage ‘January King’ is an annual English heirloom, semi-savoy variety. The large heads, which weigh several kilograms, can have shades of green, blue or pink leaves. This variety is frost hardy. ‘January King’ prefers a little shade; protect seedlings from hot afternoon sun. ‘January’ in the title refers to the Northern Hemisphere; the plant will not mature in the Australian summer.
All cabbages are gross feeders so they need a rich, well-drained soil. Feed every two weeks with liquid organic fertiliser. Protect from slugs, snails, cabbage moth and white cabbage butterfly.
Cabbages are the same species, Brassica oleracea, as broccoli, broccolini, cauliflower, collards, kale, and kohlrabi so they may cross-pollinate. If collecting for seed, allow only one variety to flower at a time. Seeds are collected from the small pods that develop after the plant has gone to flower, usually in the second year. Allow the pods to turn brown and dry on the plant. Cover with an organza or paper bag to stop seeds spreading throughout the garden.