Tournefort's cabbage
Brassica tournefortii · Brassicaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant tournefort's cabbage: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Family
- Brassicaceae
- Type
- Annual or biennial herbaceous plant
- Mature height
- 30 to 60 cm
- Flowering
- Spring to summer (April-June)
- Exposure
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Moderate, resistant to moderate frosts
- Origin
- Mediterranean basin and Asia Minor
Care
Exposure
Plant Tournefort's cabbage in full sun, where it will receive at least 6 hours of direct daily light. A well-lit exposure promotes vigorous growth and fruiting. Partially shaded areas can work but reduce its vitality.
Soil
Choose well-drained, fertile soil that is slightly chalky, typical of Mediterranean regions. Enrich the soil with compost before planting to improve its structure. Avoid waterlogging, which promotes root rot.
Watering
Water regularly but moderately, keeping the soil moist without excess. Consistent irrigation during dry periods is essential to avoid water stress. Reduce watering in autumn-winter depending on climatic conditions.
Fertilizing
Apply balanced fertilizer in spring when vegetative growth starts. Additional potassium promotes plant robustness and leaf quality. Avoid excess nitrogen, which would favor leaf development at the expense of fruiting.
Pruning and cleaning
Remove yellowed or damaged leaves as they appear to maintain overall plant health. At the end of the season, cut back dried stems to encourage potential regrowth. This herbaceous plant doesn't require regular structural pruning.
Diseases and pests
Watch for aphids and flea beetles, which are common on Brassicaceae. Powdery mildew can develop in warm, humid conditions: ensure good air circulation. Practice crop rotation to prevent soil-borne fungal diseases.
Did you know?
Tournefort's cabbage owes its name to the French botanist Joseph Pitton de Tournefort (1656-1708), an explorer and distinguished scholar who traveled through the Levant and Asia Minor to classify plants. This wild species, probable ancestor of some cultivated cabbages, illustrates how Mediterranean flora inspired the first modern botanical classifications.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.