Howdy, friends!
Have you ever grown brassicas? You may also know them as cruciferous vegetables. Common brassicas include:
broccoli
cauliflower
cabbage
kale
turnips
collards
radishes
There are lots of reasons to grow these awesome veggies.
First off, they're extremely nutritious. Low in calories but high in vitamins A, C, E, and K and various minerals. They are also an excellent vegan source of omega-3 fatty acids.
Some of their many health benefits include:
boosting immunity
detoxifying the liver
lowering cholesterol
balancing hormones
decreasing risk of heart failure and cancer
In addition to their health benefits, brassicas are tasty veggies with lots of amazing uses.
Eat them raw or cooked. Throw them in your favorite soups, salads, or stir-fries, or smoothies. Make cabbage rolls. Cook a pot of turnip greens to create a favorite southern dish. Use collards in place of flour tortillas in for a healthy spin on various recipes. Substitute cauliflower for rice, oatmeal, and various other grain products if you're on a grain-free diet.
Ready to grow your own breathtaking brassicas?
Most brassicas are cool-weather veggies that grow best in spring and fall; in warmer regions, they can also be grown through the winter. They require good, well-draining soil, and plenty of water. Larger plants like broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage also need plenty of space to grow and spread out.
For spring planting, start your seeds indoors, typically 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost in your area. If you decide to direct-sow, plant seeds outside 2 to 3 weeks before the last freeze. Cover seedlings and young transplants to protect them if any late-season frosts are predicted.
Days to maturity will depend on the variety, but most brassicas have relatively short seasons; spring-planted veggies are typically ready to harvest by early summer.
For fall planting, start your seeds either indoors or outdoors 6 to 12 weeks before the first freeze to ensure plants will be well established before the weather gets cold. Most brassicas tolerate frost and freezing temperatures well once they are mature. Harvest your veggies in late fall or early winter or, if you live in warmer regions, allow them to overwinter.
Now is a great time to stock up on your brassica seeds!
Sarah's Seed Shop has a variety of brassica seeds in stock. Check out our online store for all of your spring planting needs!
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