About Farao Hybrid Cabbage
Farao is a hybrid green cabbage of the ballhead form, meaning it forms a tight head of dense leaves. The leaves are a pretty, deep green and the heads grow to about 3 or 4 pounds (1-2 kg.). In addition to the compact head, Farao grows a generous layer of looser, protective outer leaves. The flavor of Farao cabbage plants is mild and peppery. The leaves are thin and tender. This is a great cabbage for stir fries but will also hold up to pickling, sauerkraut, and roasting as well. You can even eat it raw and fresh if you would like.
How to Grow Farao Cabbages
Farao cabbage seeds can be started indoors or outside if the soil temperature is up to 75 degrees F. (24 C.). Transplant outdoors after four or six weeks and space plants 12 to 18 inches (31-46 cm.) apart. Enrich the soil with compost before planting your cabbages and be sure that the soil will drain well. Weeding and cultivating around cabbage can be damaging, so use mulch to keep weeds at bay. Cabbages of all type are susceptible to rot if you let them get soggy or if there is poor airflow between plants. Give them enough space and try to water your vegetables only at the base of each plant. Cabbageworms, slugs, aphids, and cabbage loopers can be problematic pests, but Farao cabbage growing is made a little easier by the fact that this variety is resistant to thrips as well as tipburn. The heads will be ready to harvest in about 65 days, although Farao cabbage plants hold well in the field. This means you don’t have to harvest them as soon as the heads are ready. Cabbages left in the field too long will start to split; however, Farao hybrid variety is slow to do so. You can take your time with the harvest or pick heads as you need them.
