Mammoth Red Rock Cabbage

• Developed in the late 1800s by American breeders, first introduced commercially in 1889 by J.H. Gregory & Son Seed Company (Marblehead, Massachusetts, USA).
• A selected strain from early European red cabbages adapted for North American gardens; prized for size since Victorian-era catalogs.
• Preserved by Seed Savers Exchange (SSE) since the 1970s— a true heirloom survivor that's outgrown modern hybrids in flavor and stature.

Grow epic heads with these foolproof steps:

1. Timing: Cool-season crop—sow indoors 4-6 weeks before last spring frost (or direct sow fall for overwintering in mild zones 7+). Best in zones 3-9.
2. Soil Prep: Fertile, well-drained loam with pH 6.5-7.5. Amend with compost/manure; full sun (6+ hours).
3. Sowing: Plant seeds ¼-½" deep, 2" apart in trays. Keep at 70-75°F days/60°F nights; thin to strongest seedlings. Harden off 7-10 days.
4. Transplanting: Set out 18-24" apart in rows 30-36" apart when 4-6" tall (soil 45-50°F). Bury stems to first leaves for stability.
5. Care: Water deeply (1-1.5"/week); mulch heavily. Fertilize with nitrogen-rich (e.g., fish emulsion) every 3 weeks. Use row covers for cabbage worms/fleas; rotate crops.
6. Harvest: 85-100 days; cut heads at base when firm/full-sized. Store cool (32-40°F)/humid up to 4-6 months.

"One plant, one monster head—Firefly Farm's Mammoth Red Rock delivers garden legends!"

Stock your Firefly Farm & Mercantile shelves with this customer-stunner—plant success guaranteed! 💜🧅

Red cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata f. rubra) outshines green varieties in antioxidants due to its vibrant anthocyanins (red pigments). Just 1 cup raw (89g) provides:

• Vitamin C: 85% DV (immune boost, collagen production).
• Vitamin K: 68% DV (bone health, blood clotting).
• Fiber: 9% DV (gut health, satiety).
• Plus folate, potassium, manganese, and sulforaphane (cancer-fighting compound).

Heirloom varieties shine brighter: Less selective breeding preserves higher phytonutrient diversity, leading to amplified antioxidants (up to 20-30% more anthocyanins per studies on open-pollinated brassicas).

• Antioxidant & Anti-Inflammatory: Anthocyanins combat oxidative stress, reducing chronic disease risk (e.g., heart disease by 32% per meta-analyses).
• Heart Health: Lowers LDL cholesterol, blood pressure; potassium balances sodium.
• Cancer Prevention: Glucosinolates/sulforaphane detoxify carcinogens; lab studies show 50% tumor growth inhibition.
• Digestive & Weight Support: Fermentable fiber feeds gut microbiome; low-cal (28 kcal/cup) aids weight loss.
• Immune & Skin Boost: Vitamin C enhances white blood cells; protects against UV damage.
• Brain & Bone Health: Vitamin K prevents cognitive decline; supports calcium absorption.

"Heirloom red cabbage isn't just food—it's functional medicine from your backyard. Raw, fermented (sauerkraut), or cooked, it maximizes benefits!"

Pro Tip for Firefly Shoppers: Grow Mammoth Red Rock for peak nutrition—ferment extras for probiotic power!

We are always adding new varieties so please check back often at Seeds - Vegetables (fireflyfarmandmercantile.com)