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Tournefort's cabbage

Brassica tournefortii · Brassicaceae

The gardener's calendar

The right move for September

Ideal time to plant tournefort's cabbage: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.

JFMAMJJASOND Planting

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.