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The Brassica family includes broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage and kohlrabi... Custom Search
Cabbage is part of the Brassica or cole, family of vegetables which also includes broccoli and cauliflower as well as brussels sprouts and kohlrabi. These vegetables are noteworthy because of their adaptation to most sections of the country where there is fertile soil, sufficient moisture and cooler weather. This green vegetable is one of the most cultivated crops through out the world and is found in virtually all cuisines. This family of vegetables does well when interplanted with certain other vegetables and herbs. Go to
A quick guide to companion planting
for a partial list of companion plants.
Broccoli
When choosing a site for broccoli, be sure that other members of the Brassica genus have not grown there in the previous four years. The danger of nematodes in the soil can destroy your crop if not addressed. Because sprouting broccoli grows about 3 ft. tall, also make sure that other plants will not be shaded. Plant the seeds directly into the garden a month or two before the last frost in cool climates or in early spring in southern regions. Start picking broccoli as soon as the heads are big enough to use. Be sure to harvest the flower stalks before you see any sign of yellow; that means buds are beginning to open. Cut the stems to about 6 in. long, other sprouts will arise so that a continuous harvest may be obtained.
Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are a hearty plant and will live outdoors over winter in all of the milder sections of the country. They can be grown as a winter crop throughout the South and as early and as late as cabbage in the North. The sprouts or small heads; are formed in the axils (the angle between the leaf stem and the main stalk) of the leaves. As the heads begin to crowd, break the lower leaves from the stem of the plant in order to give them more room. Always leave the top leaves; the plant needs them to supply nourishment.
Cabbage
Cabbage ranks as one of the most important home garden crops in the world. It can be grown throughout practically the whole country, and will adapt to widely different soils as long as they are fertile, of good texture, and moist. The quality of your seed is highly important. Set out seedlings 2 to 3 weeks before the last expected frost and space 2 to 3 feet apart. The heads can be stored in a cool dry area such as a root cellar for months. It is a heavy feeder; and will respond quickly to favorable growing conditions. The faster cabbage grows, the higher the quality. Both compost and commercial fertilizer should be liberally used. In addition to the applications made at planting time, a side dressing of nitrate of soda, sulphate of ammonia, or other fertilizer which is high in available nitrogen is advisable
Chinese Cabbage
Chinese Cabbage also known as Bok Choy is more closely related to mustard. It is popularly known as celery cabbage, although it is unrelated to celery. Bok Choy seems to do best as a fall autumn crop in the northern tier of states. When full grown it is an attractive vegetable. It is not especially successful as a spring crop, and gardeners are advised not to try to grow it at any season other than fall in the north or winter in the south. The plants demand a very rich, well drained but moist soil. The seeds may be sown and the plants transplanted to the garden, or the seeds may be planted into the garden rows and than thinned to the desired density.
Cauliflower
Cauliflower is a semi-hardy vegetable but it will not withstand much frost, conversely, too much warm weather will keep cauliflower from heading. Cauliflower is grown on all types of land from sand to clay and peat. Although the physical character of the soil itself is unimportant, the land must be fertile and well drained. Manure and commercial fertilizer are essentials. The time required for growing cauliflower plants is the same as for all brassicas. In the North the main cause for failure with cauliflower in the spring is a delay when sowing the seed and setting the plants. The fall crop must be planted at such time that it will start to create heads in cool weather. A necessary stage in cauliflower cultivation with all varieties, except Purple Head, is to tie the leaves together when the heads or buttons, begin to form. This keeps the heads white. Cauliflower does not keep long after the heads form; however one or two dozen heads are enough for the average garden for one season.
Kohlrabi
Kohlrabi is a cross between a turnip and a cabbage and is grown for its swollen stem. In the North the early crop may be started like cabbage and then transplanted to the garden, but usually it is sown in place. In the South kohlrabi may be grown almost any time except midsummer. Kohlrabi needs about the same soil and growing requirements as other brassicas, principally a fertile soil and adequate moisture. It should be harvested while young and tender.
To view a map showing the gardening zones of North America, click here.
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