I have grown savoy-type cabbages this year for the first time,
alongside my summer cabbages. Now I know they're a late variety and
not due to be picked until Feb, but all the same, most of them aren't
hearting. I've got one that has, and the rest are just pretty frills.

Is there any obvious reason (apart from the dry 2003 summer weather)
and is there anything anyone would advise for either persuading them
to put a late hearting spurt on, or for next year's seedlings?

I can rule out 'bed not prepared properly' as I grew summer Minicoles
in between and they were fantastic, to the point where the last ones
are still going...