Daubenton's Perpetual Cabbage plant - Brassica oleracea ramosa

The perpetual Daubenton Kale, in Latin Brassica oleracea var. ramosa 'Daubenton', is a perennial cabbage that does not form a head and rarely flowers. It is cultivated for its young shoots which have a flavour similar to broccoli. They can be consumed raw or cooked and can be prepared in various ways. Hardy and not very susceptible to cabbage white butterflies and flea beetles, this cabbage is ideal for permaculture and can last for several years. As beautiful as it is tasty, Daubenton cabbage is an ancient vegetable that is making a comeback in vegetable gardens, as well as in flower beds. It can be easily grown in any rich, deep soil, even very clayey soil, without drying out in the summer. 

Like other cabbages, perpetual cabbage belongs to the Brassicaceae family (formerly Cruciferae). It has a bushy habit over time, with the plant reaching about 90 cm (35in) in all directions. It is a perennial herbaceous plant, resistant to frost and evergreen in winter. Its lifespan is around 5 to 7 years. Perpetual cabbage does not form a head, but it produces lateral shoots. These young shoots have a taste similar to broccoli and can be consumed raw or cooked. They can be prepared in various ways: in gratins, soups, sauces, stir-fries, stews, or salads. In the vegetable garden, plant perpetual cabbage near mint or lettuce and keep it away from alliums and other cabbages. One remarkable advantage is that it is not very susceptible to cabbage white butterflies and flea beetles.

The stems of this cabbage easily branch out from the axils of the leaves, and over time, the plant forms a beautiful mass of bluish-green and frizzy leaves. The base of the stems becomes woody and hard with age. This Daubenton variety has the advantage of not flowering, which allows it to live for several years. Indeed, the wild form Brassica oleracea ramosa which flowers in its second year is a biennial plant that dies after producing its seeds.

Harvesting : from the 2^nd year onwards, pick the shoots growing on the stems as needed, from September to May. However, the leaves will be the most tender in spring. Harvest regularly to promote a compact habit and the production of new leaves.

Storage : consume the leaves quickly after harvesting. However, you can store them in the refrigerator for a few days.

Gardener's tip : to limit watering, we recommend mulching the soil with thin layers of grass clippings, if possible mixed with dead leaves. This protection, which keeps the soil moist, provides nitrogen to the plant as it decomposes while also reducing the need for weeding.