Wild Cabbage (Brassica oleracea)

Family: Brassicaceae or Cruciferae | Edibility: Choice Edible (4/5)

Brassica oleracea is a BIENNIAL/PERENNIAL growing to 1.2 m (4ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from May to August, and the seeds ripen from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

flavour, and this is one of our favourite cooked leaves. — Leaves - raw or cooked.; Slightly bitter raw, they can be cooked in one or more changes of water.; We find that the slight bitterness actually enhances the flavour, and this is one of our favourite cooked leaves.; The plant can usually be harvested all year round, though there will be little to pick in very cold winters.

Habitat & North American Range

A rare plant of sea cliffs. (Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)