Cruciferous Vegetables

Cruciferous vegetables are a diverse group of plants belonging to the Brassicaceae family, also known as the mustard family or cabbage family. They are nutritional powerhouses, packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Many are cool-season crops and can tolerate light frost, making them suitable for spring and fall gardening in many climates.

Broccoli

Broccoli is a popular cool-season vegetable. Plant in full sun and well-drained soil. Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost or direct sow in early spring or late summer for a fall harvest. Space plants 18-24 inches apart. Harvest the main head when it's firm and tight, then continue to harvest side shoots.

Cabbage

Cabbage prefers cool weather and consistent moisture. Plant in full sun. Start seeds indoors or direct sow. Space plants 12-24 inches apart, depending on the variety. Harvest when heads are firm and solid. Good companion for beans, celery, dill.

Kale

Kale is a hardy, cool-season green that can tolerate frost and even taste sweeter after a light frost. Plant in full sun to partial shade. Sow seeds directly in the garden from early spring to early summer. Space plants 12-18 inches apart. Harvest outer leaves as needed.

Cauliflower

Cauliflower can be a bit more challenging than other crucifers, as it's sensitive to temperature fluctuations. Prefers cool weather and consistent moisture. Plant in full sun. Blanch heads (tie leaves over the developing head) to keep them white and tender for some varieties. Harvest when heads are 6-8 inches across and curds are still tight.

Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts are long-season cool-weather crops. Plant in full sun. Start seeds indoors and transplant, or direct sow in spring. Space plants 18-24 inches apart. Sprouts develop along the stem. Harvest from the bottom up when sprouts are firm and 1-2 inches in diameter.

Kohlrabi

Kohlrabi is a unique-looking vegetable with a swollen stem that tastes like a mild, sweet turnip. It's a fast-growing, cool-season crop. Plant in full sun. Direct sow seeds in spring or late summer. Space plants 6-8 inches apart. Harvest when swollen stems are 2-3 inches in diameter.

Radishes

Radishes are quick-growing cool-season root vegetables. Plant in full sun to partial shade. Sow seeds directly in the garden in spring or fall. They mature in 20-30 days. Sow successively for a continuous harvest. Keep soil moist.

Arugula (Rocket)

Arugula (Rocket) is a peppery-flavored leafy green. It's a cool-season crop that grows quickly. Plant in full sun to partial shade. Direct sow seeds in spring or fall. Harvest young leaves for the best flavor. It can bolt (go to seed) quickly in hot weather.

Bok Choy / Pak Choi

Bok Choy is a type of Chinese cabbage with tender stalks and dark green leaves. It's a cool-season crop. Plant in full sun to partial shade. Direct sow seeds in spring or fall. Space plants 6-12 inches apart. Harvest when plants reach desired size.

Watercress

Watercress is a peppery aquatic or semi-aquatic plant. It can be grown in containers with consistently moist soil or in a shallow tray of water. Prefers partial shade. Harvest sprigs regularly.

Mustard Greens

Mustard greens have a pungent, peppery flavor. They are cool-season annuals. Plant in full sun to partial shade. Sow seeds directly in the garden in spring or fall. Harvest young leaves. Can bolt in hot weather.

Collard Greens

Collard greens are loose-leafed members of the cabbage family, popular in Southern US cooking. They are very hardy and can tolerate both heat and cold better than many other greens. Plant in full sun. Start seeds indoors or direct sow. Space plants 18-24 inches apart. Harvest outer leaves.