Redbor

Family: Brassicaceae Vegetable

Velvety, frilled leaves unfurl in a rich, wine-red to deep purple cascade—so vivid they look lacquered against the garden’s green.

Redbor’s tender-yet-substantial texture holds its shape beautifully, with a pleasantly sweet, mildly peppery flavor that shines in cool weather. Grow it for bold, colorful salads and for vibrant sautéing, soups, and hearty braises—its color stays striking from first harvest through late-season picking.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 55 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	Jun 12th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	55
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Rosette
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	45
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	30
Harden Off (days)	6

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Redbor’s frill and thickness are the point: it wilts without turning to stringy sludge, so it stays chewable in salads and clean-looking in hot pots. The mild pepper + sweet edge makes it friendly to tangy citrus and salty cured pork without needing heavy garlic.

Best Uses

massaged salad ribbons that won’t collapse under dressing
sautéed greens where the color stays loud through the wilt
brothy soups and dump-in stews (adds body, not just greens)
braises where it turns silky but still holds separate leaf edges

Flavor Profile

mildly peppery bite pleasant sweetness tender-but-substantial frilled leaves cool-weather earthiness

Kitchen Pairings

lemon olive oil parmesan white beans smoked bacon or pancetta chile flakes

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s a common pest or disease for Redbor (Brassica oleracea), and how do I control it?

Cabbage worms (including imported cabbageworm and diamondback moth larvae) are a frequent problem on Brassica oleracea and can chew holes in the leaves. Cover seedlings with floating row cover as soon as they emerge, inspect leaves every few days, and hand-pick larvae early; if damage is active, use an application of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) labeled for caterpillars on brassicas. To reduce disease like clubroot, avoid planting in the same spot for several years and keep soil pH on the slightly higher side when possible.

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

During the main growing phase (after seedlings establish and as heads/leaf growth accelerates), keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged—aim for about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water per week, adjusting for heat and wind. If the top 1 inch (2.5 cm) of soil dries, water thoroughly so moisture reaches the root zone. Consistent moisture helps prevent leaf toughening and stress-related pest pressure.

When is Redbor ready to harvest?

Harvest when plants reach full, developed leaf size—typically around 55 days from sowing to maturity for Redbor (Brassica oleracea). Pick outer leaves first for a continuous harvest, or harvest the whole plant at once when the center leaves are well-formed and tender. Leaves taste best after cool weather starts, but harvest before severe hard freezes if you want the mildest texture.