Bravo

Family: Brassicaceae Brassica

Crisp, cool-sweet Bravo cabbage forms dense, tightly layered heads with a vivid, deep green glow and a satisfying crunch that feels almost jewel-like in the hand.

The leaves are finely textured and hold their structure beautifully, making Bravo a standout for hearty, slow-simmered favorites and bright, tangy preparations alike. Grow it for a reliable, full-size harvest at about 85 days—an elegant garden centerpiece that delivers bold, satisfying flavor from the first bite onward.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 85 DaysHabit: Rosette

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Mar 28th
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 18th
Harvest Begins	Jul 12th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	85
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Rosette
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	40
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	30
Harden Off (days)	6

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Bravo’s tightly layered, jewel-crisp structure is made for chopped, sauced, and simmered without turning to mush. Its cool sweetness loves sharp acids and browned fats—think tangy slaw or bacon-butter braises where the crunch stays audible.

Best Uses

shredded slaw that keeps bite under a sharp vinaigrette
pan-fried cabbage wedges for browned edges and tender-crisp centers
slow-simmered braises (they hold their integrity in the pot)
quick pickle for crisp, tangy, jewel-like bites

Flavor Profile

cool-sweet cabbage flavor dense, tightly layered crunch finely textured leaves that stay structured clean, cabbage-bright finish with mild bite

Kitchen Pairings

apple mustard bacon caraway butter vinegar

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prevent and treat downy mildew on Bravo plants?

Downy mildew shows up as pale yellow patches on leaf tops with gray-purple growth on the underside, and it spreads fast in cool, humid weather. Remove and trash badly infected leaves, then improve airflow by spacing plants and watering at the base (no overhead watering). Spray a labeled copper-based fungicide early at the first spots, repeating according to the label every 7–10 days during wet spells.

How often should I water Bravo during the main growing phase?

From about the time plants are actively growing until near maturity (~weeks 4–11), keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy—about 1 inch of water per week total, adjusted for heat and rainfall. Water deeply when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry, and stop frequent watering once the plants approach harvest to avoid watery, lower-quality produce.

How can I tell when Bravo is ready to harvest?

Harvest around 85 days from sowing when fruits/cobs are at full size and color for Bravo and the surface looks firm and properly developed. For best flavor and storage, pick in the morning and avoid harvesting when plants are still wet from dew or rain.