Marshalls makes its point with cabbage

Five years of trials in Lincolnshire by Marshalls of Butterwick have allowed a British-grown red pointed cabbage to be offered to supermarkets.

Nigel Clare, joint managing director, said Marshalls has worked on the project with a Dutch breeder and that commercial results this season - which will run from this week until the end of October - are very promising.

“The improved hybrid is not only sweeter,” Clare said, “but also does not bleed when cut and keeps its colour when cooked.”

Mel Miles, technical manager, added: “We are still learning, but the plant has been vigorous with an extensive frame, and is expected to crop at around 17,000 plus heads to the acre, in line with its traditional green pointed counterpart.”