Cabbage Seeds – Cuor di Bue

Grow your own delicious, tender and flavourful cabbage with Cuor di Bue cabbage seeds, Also known as Oxheart cabbage, Cuor di Bue is a traditional Italian variety named after the distinctive heart-shaped form of its heads. It produces attractive, pointed green cabbages with tightly packed leaves and a sweet, mild flavour, making it a fantastic choice for gardeners looking to grow fresh, homegrown vegetables.

Ideal for vegetable gardens, raised beds and allotments, Cuor di Bue cabbage is a rewarding variety for gardeners of all experience levels. Its compact, pointed heads are perfect for slicing into fresh salads and coleslaw, steaming, stir-frying or adding to soups and stews. Whether you're growing vegetables for everyday cooking or filling your allotment with traditional varieties, Cuor di Bue is a wonderful addition to your homegrown harvest.

Why Grow Cuor di Bue Cabbage?

• Distinctive pointed heads: Produces attractive, heart-shaped cabbages with a characteristic tapered tip.

• Delicious flavour: Enjoy tender leaves with a mild, sweet and fresh taste.

• Versatile in the kitchen: Excellent for coleslaw, salads, steaming, stir-fries and hearty homemade dishes.

• Traditional Italian variety: A classic cabbage type that brings something different to your vegetable patch.

• Ideal for home growing: Suitable for vegetable gardens, raised beds and allotments.

• Fresh homegrown produce: Harvest your own cabbage for delicious meals straight from the garden.

How to Grow Cuor di Bue Cabbage

Sow indoors from February to April for an earlier crop, or sow outdoors from March to May, depending on local conditions and the crop timing you want. Check the seed packet for any variety-specific seasonal guidance.

Choose a sunny position with fertile, firm, moisture-retentive and well-drained soil. Cabbages grow best in soil that holds moisture without becoming waterlogged.

Sow seeds approximately 1–1.5 cm deep in seed trays or small pots filled with seed compost. Keep the compost moist and place in a bright position. Once seedlings have developed several true leaves, transplant them into individual pots if needed.

Prepare a fine seedbed and sow seeds in shallow drills. Cover lightly with soil and water gently. Once seedlings are established, thin or transplant them to their final growing positions.

Harden off indoor-grown seedlings before planting them outdoors. Allow approximately 30–45 cm between plants, with rows around 45–60 cm apart, adjusting spacing to suit the eventual head size and the instructions supplied with your seeds.

Water regularly, especially during dry spells and while the cabbage heads are forming. Consistent moisture helps encourage healthy growth and reduces the risk of heads splitting after sudden changes in water availability.

Grow in fertile soil enriched with well-rotted organic matter. A suitable vegetable fertiliser can help support strong leaf growth and the development of firm cabbage heads.

Use fine insect-proof mesh to help protect young plants from cabbage white butterflies and other common brassica pests. Check leaves regularly for caterpillars and consider crop rotation to help reduce the build-up of soil-borne pests and diseases.

Cuor di Bue Cabbage Growing Guide

Growing times are approximate. Cuor di Bue types can differ in their cropping season, so use the seed packet's variety-specific instructions for the most accurate harvesting dates.

When to Harvest Cuor di Bue Cabbage

Cuor di Bue cabbage is ready to harvest when the head has developed its characteristic pointed shape and feels firm when gently squeezed. Harvesting time depends on the specific strain, sowing date and growing conditions, so check your seed packet for the expected maturity period.

Use a sharp knife to cut the cabbage at the base, taking care not to damage nearby plants. For the best flavour and texture, harvest while the head is firm and before it begins to split.

Freshly harvested Cuor di Bue cabbage is delicious sliced into salads and coleslaw or lightly cooked to retain its tender texture and mild flavour. Store harvested heads in a cool place or refrigerate them to help maintain freshness.

Start growing your own traditional Italian cabbage with Cuor di Bue cabbage seeds from Warne’s Seeds, a wonderful choice for gardeners who want fresh, versatile homegrown vegetables straight from the garden to the kitchen.