Cabbage Walking Stick Seeds
$4.20
Unit price perBrassica oleracea var. longata
Walking Stick Cabbage is an extraordinary old vegetable variety grown as much for its remarkable height and sturdy stem as for its edible leaves. Plants can reach approximately 2 m tall, developing a long, strong central stalk topped with a crown of large cabbage-like leaves.
Traditionally associated with the Channel Islands, particularly Jersey, the plants became famous for an unusual second use after the growing season. The tall stems were cut, dried and hardened to make walking sticks and canes, eventually becoming a popular curiosity and tourist souvenir.
The nutritious leaves can be harvested progressively during growth and used much like kale or loose-leaf cabbage. They have also traditionally been grown as livestock and small-animal fodder, particularly for rabbits and guinea pigs. Removing the lower leaves as the plant grows encourages the development of the characteristic long, bare stem.
A vigorous and wonderfully unusual heritage vegetable, Walking Stick Cabbage prefers full sun, fertile, well-drained soil and consistent moisture. Plants benefit from protection from strong winds as they gain height.
Approximately 50 seeds per packet
When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: Autumn to winter in cooler locations
Subtropics: Late winter to spring
Mild climates: Spring
Cold climates: Spring after frost
Planting / Sowing
Sow directly or raise in trays, approximately 5–10 mm deep. Keep consistently moist during germination and establishment.
Transplant seedlings approximately 60–90 cm apart in full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Remove lower leaves progressively if growing plants for long stems, leaving sufficient foliage at the top to maintain healthy growth. Provide support or shelter from strong winds as plants approach full height.
For traditional walking-stick use, allow the stem to mature fully before cutting in late autumn, then dry and cure thoroughly until hard.
If saving seed, remember that Walking Stick Cabbage will cross-pollinate readily with other compatible Brassica oleracea varieties, so adequate isolation is required to maintain the variety true to type.
Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.
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