Similar to Red Dragon, which it replaces, but darker red and more attractive
Days To Maturity: 60
NOTE: Prone to internal tipburn (decay of inner leaves that is not visible in uncut heads), especially in hot weather. Somewhat susceptible to bolting under stressful conditions, such as cold night temperatures (below 10°C) after transplanting
CULTURE: Spring-planted crops: Sow 2 seeds per cell, 6mm deep in 72-cell plug trays. If possible, keep soil temperatures above 24C until germination and then maintain air temperature to 16-21C. Transplant out in 3-5 weeks, around the last frost date (see BOLTING below), taking care not to disturb roots; water-in plants. Summer/autumn-planted crops: Start seedlings as described above in mid to late December or direct seed from late November to mid-January as described below.
DIRECT SEEDING: Sow 3-4 seeds every 30-45cm (thin to one plant) in rows 45-75cm apart from late November to mid January.
INTENSIVE SPACING: 2 rows per bed spaced every 45cm on the row
PAPERPOT TRANSPLANTER: Use LP-15 paperchains and remove every second seedling at nursery stage. Transplant after temperatures average above minimum 10C.
BOLTING: This crop performs best in the gradually decreasing day length and cooler temperatures of late summer, but can be grown successfully in the spring if careful attention is paid to prevent bolting. For spring and early summer transplanted crops, be sure to wait until the last frost date to transplant or direct seed the crop. Young plants may bolt prematurely to seed if they are exposed to frost or over a week of sub 10C nights.
DISEASE: Practice preventive crop rotation and sanitation.
INSECT PESTS: Control flea beetles and cabbage root maggots with floating row covers from day of planting.
STORAGE: Heads will store 1-2 months in a near-freezing, humid cooler, or in a root cellar if trimmed and wrapped in newspaper.
HARVEST: Cut when heads are very firm.
DAYS TO MATURITY: From transplanting; add 14-21 days for direct seeding.
AVG. PRECISION SEEDING RATE: 1,000 seeds/100m, 5,000/5,000m, 66,000/acre at 3 seeds/30cm in rows 60cm apart.
