Brassicas tolerate cold well, and many of them continue producing until late autumn. In this category, you’ll find seeds of red-headed cabbage, Brussels sprouts, green and red kale, broccoli, cauliflower, kohlrabi, and Chinese pak choi.
Interesting varieties include Romanesco Natalino cauliflower with spiral curds, Di Sicilia Violetto purple cauliflower, Red Brussels sprouts, and Scarlet red kale — ornamental and tasty.
How to grow brassicas
Seedlings — early varieties are sown in March, late varieties in April–May. Plant out the seedlings when they have 4–5 leaves.
Soil — fertile and moist, preferably with compost added. Brassicas do not like acidic soil.
Protection — it is worth covering young plants with horticultural fleece to protect them from cabbage white butterflies and flea beetles.
Kale and Brussels sprouts become sweeter after a light frost, so they are usually harvested in late autumn.
You’ll find more vegetables in the vegetable seeds category.
Frequently asked questions
When should kale and Brussels sprouts be sown?
Usually in April–May for transplanting. Harvesting lasts from autumn through winter.
Can pak choi be grown in summer?
It is better sown in spring or at the end of summer, as it quickly bolts in hot weather.
