Cabbage, Broccoli, and Allies
Brassica oleracea
Also listed as Brassica alba, Brassica alboglabra
Also known as Cabbage, Broccoli, Cauliflower
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Cool-season cole crops grown for their edible heads, florets, and leaves. Best grown in spring and fall for optimal flavor and texture.
Why grow it
Brassica oleracea crops offer reliable yields of nutrient-dense vegetables across multiple harvest forms (heads, florets, leaves) from a single species, making them efficient for garden planning. They tolerate light frosts better than most garden vegetables, extending the growing season in spring and fall when many warm-season crops have finished. Most cultivars are less water-intensive than leafy greens during establishment, though they do require consistent moisture and fertility once heading begins.
Watch out for
These crops are heavy feeders that deplete soil nitrogen, so rotate planting locations across seasons and amend heavily with compost or aged manure beforehand. Young seedlings and transplants are vulnerable to cutworms and flea beetles during the first few weeks after planting, requiring closer monitoring than established plants. Heads can split or bolt prematurely if plants experience erratic watering after forming, particularly if heavy rain follows a dry period.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Brassicaceae
Native Range
Mediterranean
Seasonality
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
Cool-season cole crops grown for their edible heads, florets, and leaves. Best grown in spring and fall for optimal flavor and texture.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Cabbage, Broccoli, and Allies grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Brassica oleracea crops offer reliable yields of nutrient-dense vegetables across multiple harvest forms (heads, florets, leaves) from a single species, making them efficient for garden planning. They tolerate light frosts better than most garden vegetables, extending the growing season in spring and fall when many warm-season crops have finished. Most cultivars are less water-intensive than leafy greens during establishment, though they do require consistent moisture and fertility once heading begins.
Watch out for
These crops are heavy feeders that deplete soil nitrogen, so rotate planting locations across seasons and amend heavily with compost or aged manure beforehand. Young seedlings and transplants are vulnerable to cutworms and flea beetles during the first few weeks after planting, requiring closer monitoring than established plants. Heads can split or bolt prematurely if plants experience erratic watering after forming, particularly if heavy rain follows a dry period.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Brassicaceae
Native Range
Mediterranean
Seasonality
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
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