Brassicas

Growing Brassicas

Start indoors in early spring 4-6 weeks before last frost, sow 3-4 seeds in each pot, 5mm deep under a bright light. Seeds will germinate in 7-10 days. Thin down to the single strongest plant. Transplant in April at 45-60cm apart in row and 75-90cm apart for a fall harvest. Full sun, ideal soil pH of 6.0-6.8. Maintain even soil moisture, brassicas do best in cooler weather.

Bok Choi: Harvest the outer leaves "cut & come again" to let the centre continue to develop. Harvest the whole plant when it is between 12"-18" tall, before it begins to flower. Leaves should be crisp and dark green, with white or light green stalks.

Broccoli (Fall harvest): Harvest the crown part of the broccoli with 5-6 inches of stem after it's fully developed but before the it starts to loosen and develop yellow flowers. 

Broccoli (Spring harvest): Harvest the shoots once they are a good size but before the buds begin to bloom.

Cabbage: Harvest when the cabbage head feels hard, leave the big outer leaves. 

Cauliflower: Harvest when the florets are just beginning to separate, at this point it is at full size and the flavour is at its peak.

Gai Lan: Harvest when plants are 8"-10" and flower buds are developed but not yet blooming. Harvest often for more growth.

Kale & Mustards: Harvest leaves when they're small for baby greens, or large. 

Rutabaga: Harvest after one or two frosts, but before the ground is frozen. In milder climates, leave them in the ground for continuous harvest. 

Turnip: Harvest when the root pushes up through the soil, and before the root begins to split.