Since I am a New England zone 5b gardener, I recommend starting this variety early under lights - or in a greenhouse, lucky you! - then harden off, and transplant in the garden in late spring, as soon as the temperature allows. The germination was great. The transplants grew into huge, beautiful heads. The outer leaves are delicious sauteed with garlic, olive oil, and red pepper flakes (what else?); the inner leaves are nice in salad. Harvest before the summer heat sets in to avoid bolting. J Lehr