Brassica oleracea (Capitata Group) 'Myatt's Early Offenham' (Wild Cabbage) — Clump-forming

Overview

Brassica oleracea (Capitata Group) 'Myatt's Early Offenham' is a plant with a clump-forming habit in the genus Brassica, part of the Brassicaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Brassica oleracea (Capitata Group) 'Myatt's Early Offenham' grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam and sand soils and alkaline and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include vegetable gardens and ornamental displays.

About

Brassica oleracea (Capitata Group) 'Myatt's Early Offenham' is a clump-forming cabbage cultivar used both in vegetable plots and as an ornamental. It performs best in full sun on loam or sandy soils with a neutral to alkaline pH and consistent, well-drained moisture. The foliage is deciduous and plants are hardy in UK conditions (H5). It flowers from May to September.

About the genus

Brassica is a genus of plants in the cabbage and mustard family (Brassicaceae). The members of the genus are informally known as cruciferous vegetables, cabbages, mustard plants, or simply brassicas. Crops from this genus are sometimes called cole crops—derived from the Latin caulis, denoting the stem or stalk of a plant.

Wikipedia contributors, "Brassica", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Brassica

In the garden

This plant is a cultivated form of Brassica oleracea in the family Brassicaceae and sits within the Capitata Group of cabbages. The species has its origins in feral populations from the eastern Mediterranean, and this cultivar follows that lineage as a purpose-bred cabbage suited to early use in the garden. Position plants where they receive full sun and are sheltered from strong exposure; south-, east- or west-facing sites are all appropriate. Choose a loam or sandy soil with neutral to alkaline pH and keep the soil moist but free-draining — water regularly in dry spells but avoid waterlogging. The rating H5 indicates it is hardy in typical UK winters, so established plants will survive in outdoor vegetable beds through most seasons. Use this cultivar in vegetable gardens for early heads or incorporate individual plants into ornamental displays where a compact, clump-forming habit is required. It produces yellow, four-petalled flowers between May and September, which are the visible sign that the plant has moved beyond edible heading and into its reproductive phase.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Brassica

Sunlight: Full sun
Soil type: Loam, Sand
Soil pH: Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture: Moist but well-drained
Aspect: South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
Exposure: Sheltered
UK hardiness: H5

Plant details

Brassica oleracea (Capitata Group) 'Myatt's Early Offenham' size, habit and characteristics

Habit: Clump-forming
Foliage: Deciduous
Suggested uses: Vegetable gardens, Ornamental displays

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Brassica oleracea (Capitata Group) 'Myatt's Early Offenham'

Propagation: Seed
Pest resistance: Cabbage caterpillars, Cabbage root fly, Flea beetle, Mealy cabbage aphid, Slugs and snails
Disease resistance: Black rot, Club root, Downy mildew, Foot and root rot, Leaf spot, White blister

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Brassica oleracea (Capitata Group) 'Myatt's Early Offenham'?

Brassica oleracea (Capitata Group) 'Myatt's Early Offenham' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Brassica oleracea (Capitata Group) 'Myatt's Early Offenham' need?

Brassica oleracea (Capitata Group) 'Myatt's Early Offenham' grows best in loam and sand soil. It prefers alkaline and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.

Is Brassica oleracea (Capitata Group) 'Myatt's Early Offenham' hardy in the UK?

Brassica oleracea (Capitata Group) 'Myatt's Early Offenham' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.

How do I propagate Brassica oleracea (Capitata Group) 'Myatt's Early Offenham'?

Seed.

More in the Brassica genus

Browse all Brassica →