Spring Greens in the UK

[Bobbingabout]

Hello. I am hoping it is not too late to grow Spring Greens from seed. Last year I tried Durham Early which gave me usable otter leaves but tended to heart and did not have the intense green colour that I associate with Spring Greens sold in the shops. Can anyone please recommend a variety and any offer growing tips.
Thanks Bob

[jakchris]

Hi Bobbingabout. I was given some rooted cuttings from what I think is walking stick kale. They are very much like spring greens and have been going strong since last autumn. Delicious and quite mild. A Portuguese man on my allotment site gave them to me.

[Bobbingabout]

Thanks jakchris. That’s interesting but it looks like it’s for February sowing from seed. I found this link which shows how to actually grow a walking stick which might interest you.
I am still searching for a seed variety for the classic Spring Greens which are usually in the supermarkets around February.
Cheers

[charles]

Spring greens happen when any variety of spring cabbage is planted closer, say 6x6in/15x15cm, then cut every other one from Feb or March as your greens, the remaining ones grow bigger and may heart

[Bobbingabout]

Thanks Charles, that’s a great help.
I have just got my copy of your latest book ‘…..Home & Garden’ which I am enjoying and recommend to everyone here.

[KevL]

Hi Bobbingabout. Its late enough to sow seeds now for spring cabbage although I did sow some in mid September last year and grew in a cold frame all winter. The variety I used (and have used again this autumn) is Winter Jewel from Suttons (and possibly other companies) and I have had the best spring greens ever with tall and firm leaves with a lovely colour and flavour.

[Bobbingabout]

Thanks KevL. That’s really useful info, I am relatively new to vegetable growing and I have never thought of overwintering in a cold frame. I have found some Durham Early seeds from last year and I have started them in modules but they haven’t sprouted yet, if they fail I will try Winter Jewel and/or make a note for next year. Cheers Bob

[Cleansweep]

Dont be too sorry your spring greens are a paler shade than those you may find in shops.My suspicion is that they have been “forced” to grow rapidly with a dose of high nitrate fertiliser. The clue is in the colour, as you might find in washed spinach saladstuff which is often darker than holly!

[Bobbingabout]

Good point, thanks cleansweep. My crop last year from Durham Early were grey green compared to the stuff in the shops but mine were 100% organic so that would possibly explained the difference. Cheers

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