Brassicas
Brassicas are a cool-season family — plant broccoli or cauliflower into summer heat and the result is bolting, not a harvest. These 10 guides cover the right timing for each variety, plus the cabbage moth pressure that comes with growing this family well.
Bok Choy
Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis · Brassica family
Choy Sum
Brassica rapa var. parachinensis · Brassica family
Wombok
Brassica rapa subsp. pekinensis · Brassica family
Broccoli
Brassica oleracea var. italica · Brassica family
Brussels Sprouts
Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera · Brassica family
Cabbage
Brassica oleracea · Brassica family
Cauliflower
Brassica oleracea var. botrytis · Brassica family
Kale
Brassica oleracea var. sabellica · Brassica family
Kohlrabi
Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes · Brassica family
Silverbeet
Beta vulgaris subsp. cicla · Amaranth family
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I stop cabbage moth caterpillars without spraying?
Fine netting from the day you plant is the most reliable non-chemical method — it physically stops the moth from laying eggs on the leaves in the first place, which is far easier than treating caterpillars once they're established.
Can I grow brassicas in the same bed every year?
It's best avoided — brassicas are prone to clubroot, a soil-borne disease that builds up with repeated planting. Rotate them to a different bed for at least 3–4 years if you can.