Cabbage: Varieties and Groups

When new varieties began to be developed, one of the earliest, in the 16th century, was the red cabbage, now classified as B. oleracea var capitata, Rubra group. It was followed by many types of loose-leafed cabbage, light or dark green and sometimes tinged with red or purple. The increasing number of varieties made it possible to extend the growing season from the first spring greens, picked before a head has formed, to winter’s end.