If you’re looking for something to plant in your garden this season, look no further than brassica. This group of plants includes some of the most popular vegetables in the world –embracing as it does, CABBAGE, KOHL RABI, CAULIFLOWER, BROCCOLI, BORECOLE OR KALE, BRUSSELS SPROUTS and SAVOY CABBAGE, includes some of the most extensively used and best of green vegetables.
“Brassicas” or “cruciferous vegetables” refers to plants in the genus Brassica, which is the mustard group of plant types. It’s a big family, which also includes Turnips, Collards, Bok choy and mustard to name a few.
With its colorful leaves and delicious flavor, brassica is a great choice for any gardener looking to add some diversity to their menu. Let’s take a look at how you can successfully grow brassica.
What are Brassica Vegetables?
Brassica vegetables are a type of crop that includes cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, and kohlrabi. Brassica crops are also sometimes referred to as cole crops. These vegetables are known for their high nutrient content and health benefits. For example, brassica vegetables are a good source of fiber, vitamins C and K, and minerals like calcium and iron. They also contain phytochemicals that may protect against certain diseases, such as cancer.
Brassica crops are grown for their leaves (greens), stems (swedes), flowers (cauliflower and broccoli), or roots (turnip and kohlrabi). The genus is native to the temperate regions of Europe, Asia, and Africa.
The name brassica comes from the Latin word brassicae, which refers to cabbage or any of the related vegetables. The name was first used by Pliny the Elder in his Natural History written in AD 77–79.
Brassica vegetables are considered superfoods which provide high amounts of vitamin C, vitamin K, manganese, and soluble fiber, and contain glucosinolates. Studies suggest that brassica vegetables are protective against some types of cancers.
The cabbage tribe of brassicas below can provide a fresh staple food every day of the year as well as being easy to store and ferment or pickle for long term storage.
How to Grow Brassicas
The general treatment of the various Brassicas is much the same, apart from times of sowing.
All the members of the Brassica family require to be raised in seed boxes or an outdoor seed bed and transplanted later to their permanent position. Kohl Rabi is an exception, and can be sown where it is to remain.
A planting program for brassicas should include a variety of pest and disease control measures as well as crop rotation to prevent problems.
The general treatment for this family is fully described under Cabbage.
Climate Requirements
Brassica is ideal for cooler climates and can be grown in temperatures ranging from 40°F (4°C) to 80°F (27°C). It thrives best when it has direct sunlight throughout the day and needs a moderate amount of water. During the summer months, make sure that your soil is kept moist so that your plants don’t dry out or suffer from heat stress
Does frost improve the taste of winter brassicas?
There is some debate over whether frost improves the taste of winter brassicas, such as kale, cauliflower, and cabbage. Some people believe that the cold weather makes these brassica varieties sweeter, while others find that the frost simply makes them more tender. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference. However, it is worth noting that brassicas grown in colder climates tend to have a higher sugar content than those grown in warmer regions. So if you’re looking for a sweeter brassica, it might be worth seeking out one that was grown in a colder climate.
Soil Preparation
Brassicas are all gross feeders and require well-trenched, richly-manured soil, and plenty of moisture to obtain good results all the members of this family must be kept growing on without a check from the time the seed is sown. When preparing your soil for growing brassica, it’s important to make sure that it’s well-drained and nutrient-rich—add plenty of compost or aged manure before planting your brassicas. The pH level should also be tested; an ideal range is 6.0-7.5 with a slightly acidic to neutral soil being preferred by most brassicas.
Brassicas also need a rich, well-drained soil so prior to planting dig in plenty of compost and well-rotted manure. These are heavy feeders so incorporate some blood and bone, and a tight fistful of sulphate of potash per square meter.
Planting Your Brassica
When planting brassicas, it’s best to start with transplants in early spring. This will give them a head start on the growing season. You can also succession plant brassicas, which means you plant a new batch every few weeks to keep the harvest going all summer long.
Space your plants about 12″ apart and cover them lightly with soil. Make sure that each seedling has enough room to spread its leaves without overcrowding other seedlings and be sure not to bury them too deeply in the soil as this will cause them to rot or become diseased. Once planted, water your seedlings deeply until they are established and keep the soil moist throughout their growth period but avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot or fungal problems later on.
Brassica Seed
Seeds can be sown directly in the soil, but for results, sow seeds in small pots first and plant out when 4 – 6 weeks old. The best temperature for seed germination is around 10-25°C.
Broccoli. For spring and winter use, sow first week in Spring and again three weeks later. Plant out to 2 ft. 6 in. apart each way.
Brussels Sprouts. Sow first week in Spring, and twice again at fortnightly intervals for succession. Plant in rows 2 ft. apart, leaving 1 ft. 6 in. between each plant. Frost improves the flavour and makes them tender,
Cabbages. Sow in early Spring for use in summer, in late Spring for use in autumn, and in Autum for use in spring Cabbages are an important crop, giving a good return when other green stuffs are scarce. Plant out 14 in. apart, in rows ft. 6 in. apart. Be careful not to dig between the plants, or they will bolt, that is, run to seed instead of hearting in. Keep the hoe going.
Cauliflowers. Sow in Spring for use in Autum. Plant out 2 ft. apart, each way.
Pickling Cabbages, Grow a row or two of these. Cultivate the same as cabbage but, when planting, allow 2 ft. each way. Those that remain after sales can be pickled and sold through-out the winter.
Savoys. Sow in Spring and plant as cabbages. Small or medium-sized hearts are the best for sale. They should not be gathered until they have been well frosted. They are especially popular during late autumn and winter when no other greens are available.
Timing & Temperature with Brassicas
The best time to harvest brassicas is just before the florets start to open. With broccoli, you want to get the timing right so that the heads are still tight. With cabbage, kale, and cauliflower, you want to harvest when the heads are fully developed but before they start to loosen. With cauliflower, you also want to make sure that the leaves are still tightly wrapped around the florets.
If you wait too long to harvest, the brassica crop will be less crisp and less tasty. So it’s important to get the timing right. Luckily, once you’ve harvested a few times, you’ll start to get a feel for when the vegetables are ready.
When harvesting mature veggies like cauliflower or Brussels sprouts, wait until they reach maturity before picking them away from the plant as they won’t continue growing after harvest time.
Brassica Pests and Diseases
Young plants of the Brassicas are very susceptible to the attacks of Aphis, particularly during the late Summer and Autumn. It is absolutely necessary to get rid of this pest at the outset, and so, when transplanting, carefully examine the young plants. Should the Aphis be present spray immediately then once a fortnight with soapy water on the leaves (avoiding the soil) which will keep them clean until they are growing well. Once the plants are growing vigorously, there is little to fear from insect pests until the cabbage caterpillar hatch in mid-summer. Lime lightly sprinkled around the plants also makes a good remedy, and is also useful as a temporary preventive for slugs and snails the plants being dusted with it after first wetting them overhead.
Brassica Growing Tips
- Cauliflower and Brussels sprouts will grow in subtropical regions, but must be planted in early autumn to benefit from a long cool season
- Brassica plants are easily damaged, so choose a spot with protection from strong wind
- Plant seedlings a little deeper, cover the lowest leaves to help stabilise the plants
Growing brassica is both rewarding and delicious! If you have a cool climate in your area then this is definitely worth considering for adding diversity into your diet as well as creating a stunning landscape in your garden. Just make sure you prepare the soil properly beforehand by adding plenty of compost or aged manure; follow our advice above for climate requirements, planting instructions and harvesting tips – then enjoy watching these beautiful plants flourish! You’ll soon be enjoying delicious meals made with freshly harvested Brassica straight from your garden.
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