Watercolour of broccoli, cabbage, kale, and Brussels sprouts

Brassica Vegetables

Cabbage • Broccoli • Cauliflower • Kale • Brussels Sprouts

Brassicas are cool-season powerhouses. They love spring and fall, shrug off frost, and reward you with nutrient-packed harvests. They’re not the easiest family to grow (thanks to the cabbage moth fan club), but when they thrive — they really thrive. I plant mine with Marigolds, Onions and Garlic.

List of Brassicas

What Are Brassicas?

Brassicas (also called “cole crops”) belong to the mustard family. They include many of the leafy, heading and bud-forming vegetables that Canadians plant early in the season. Most prefer cooler temperatures and will bolt or struggle in high summer heat.

Common Brassica Crops
  • Cabbage
  • Broccoli
  • Cauliflower
  • Kale
  • Brussels sprouts
  • Kohlrabi
Crop Days to Harvest (approx.) Notes
Cabbage 70–120 Prefers steady moisture; great for fall harvests.
Broccoli 60–90 Cut main head early to encourage side shoots.
Kale 50–75 Frost improves sweetness; harvest leaves continuously.

More Vegetable Families