Cabbages, kale, kohlrabi, cauliflower, broccoli and Brussel Sprouts are all varieties of the same species of Brassica oleracea which is native to the Mediterranean. Brassicas thrive on transplanting and some gardeners even swear by transplanting them twice. Brussel Spouts are very hardy and high yielding and a continuos supply can be achieved throughout the winter by growing 2 varieties. Cabbage, if you have a lot of space can be produced all year round, or if smaller space then a choice can be made between spring, summer or winter crops. Summer Cauliflowers are annuals and they produce curds the year they are sown. Winter Cauliflowers are biennials and need a period of cold before they deleop curds so they are sown one year and harvested the next.
Recipe for Successful Growing of Brassicas from seeds
Ingredients
Sherwood Rootrainer system (32 cells to a tray)
Good quality Brassica (cabbage, kale, kohlrabi, broccoli or Brussel Sprout) seeds
Good quality peat free compost
Water
Warmth
Good ventilation on sunny days
Method
Fill The Sherwood Rootrainer Tray with compost
For
Brussel Sprouts sow the seeds in
March early April
For
'Spring Cabbage' make
two sowings 4 weeks apart in
February
For
Summer Cabbage sow in
March
For
Winter Cabbage sow in
May
For
Summer Cauliflower sow in
March
For
Broccoli sow in
April
Cover the tray with the clear propagating lid
Leave to germinate in a warm place
Remove lid once plants have emerged and use as a drip tray under the tray and grow on in good light
When plants are ready plant out into a deep, rich well composted and moist soil
Make 15cm deep holes with a garden stake and place the seedling into the hole. Don’t close the hole with soil but rather water the plant which will close the hole with the right amount of soil.
Of course watering of the young plants is vital until they are well established and weeding is just as essential.
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