Brassera oleracea is the taxonomical name for head cabbage, and it is further classified as the cultivar group Capitata. Cabbage is a dense, leafy vegetable that grows biennially in cool climates.
Head cabbage is closely related to other Brassera oleracea plants, such as kale, broccoli, cauliflower and collards. It ranges in color from pale green to deep magenta. Cabbage produces waxy leaves that hold moisture and grow around a firm core, forming a head weighing roughly 3 to 4 pounds. The leaves on a savoy cabbage have a distinctly wrinkled texture. Cabbage plants grow for approximately 80 days and are tough enough to withstand ground frost, but they require constant moisture and are highly vulnerable to excessive heat.
