Red cabbage

* Common name: Red cabbage

* Botanical name: Brassica oleracea var. capitata rubra

* What it is: Edible, ball-head cabbage with reddish-purple leaves. Adds beautiful color to veggie garden and salads. Resists bugs, disease and groundhogs better than green cabbage. ‘Ruby Perfection’ is reliable favorite. ‘Salad Delight’ is an early-maturing variety.

* Size: Heads range in size between softball and volleyball. Space plants 18 to 24 inches apart.

* Where to use: Vegetable garden or in a pot or windowbox mixed with leaf lettuce.

* Care: Plant late March through April and harvest in 2 to 3 months. Work compost into soil before planting, then keep plants watered. Cover or spray with Bt if cabbageworms attack. A little fish emulsion, compost tea or organic vegetable fertilizer can improve yield. Fall crop can be planted in mid-August.

* Great partner: Onions, leeks and lettuce give nice color and texture contrast. Or pair family-wise with broccoli and cauliflower.