Felicja

1. Sowing Indoors or Outdoors:

   - Indoors: Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.

     - Sow seeds in small pots or seed trays, about 1/4 inch deep.

     - Keep the soil moist and maintain a temperature of 65–70°F (18–21°C). Germination should occur in 7–14 days.

     - Transplant seedlings to the garden once the danger of frost has passed and when the soil has warmed up to 50°F (10°C).

   - Outdoors: Direct sow outdoors in early spring or late summer for a fall crop.

     - Plant seeds about 1/4 inch deep in rows, spacing them 12–18 inches apart. Rows should be spaced 24–30 inches apart.

     - Thin seedlings to 12–18 inches apart once they are large enough to handle.

2. Sunlight and Soil:

   - Sunlight: Full sun is ideal for cabbage. Plants need at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal growth.

   - Soil: Cabbage prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0–7.5.

     - Improve soil by adding compost or well-rotted manure before planting to increase fertility and drainage.

3. Watering:

   - Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Cabbage requires regular watering, especially during dry spells.

   - Water at the base of the plant to avoid getting water on the leaves, which can encourage diseases.

4. Care:

   - Mulching: Apply mulch around the base to help retain moisture, control weeds, and maintain even soil temperatures.

   - Fertilizing: Cabbage benefits from balanced fertilization. Use a nitrogen-rich fertilizer to promote leafy growth during the early stages and a balanced fertilizer as the plants mature.

   - Pest Control: Cabbage can be prone to pests such as cabbage worms and aphids. Use organic pest control methods like neem oil, insecticidal soap, or row covers to keep pests at bay.

5. Harvesting:

   - Heads: Harvest cabbage when the heads are firm and solid. Gently squeeze the head to test for firmness.

   - Cut the cabbage head off at the base, leaving a few outer leaves for protection. 

   - For long-term storage, harvest heads before frost but after they have reached full maturity.

6. General Tips:

   - Spacing: Be sure to space the plants properly to allow for good air circulation, as this can help prevent diseases like downy mildew or clubroot.

   - Rotation: Cabbage is a member of the Brassica family, so avoid planting it in the same soil where other members (like broccoli, kale, or cauliflower) have been grown in the last few years to reduce the risk of soil-borne diseases.

Felicja (Felicity) is a great cabbage variety for home gardeners looking for crisp, sweet heads of cabbage. Its compact size makes it suitable for small spaces, while its hardy nature and excellent taste make it a popular choice in both fresh and cooked dishes.