Starting brassicas for next spring?

[Winged one]

Hi folks,

Time for another dumb question.

I started a load of cabbages (Savoy and April), calabrese, cauliflowers (all year round) and brussels sprouts back in February. Would I be right in thinking that all of these except the sprouts will be harvested this summer?

And if I want cabbages and cauliflowers for next winter/spring, when should I start those off? (Or is that when the ones I have will be ready?)

I also started some purple sprouting brocolli (Rudolph?) and a second sowing of sprouts about 3 weeks ago - on the presumption that these would be timed right for the spring too. But I'm now a bit worried that I've gotten it all wrong.

I have loads coming good about now, but I had bought these as plug plants last summer so growing from seed myself is a new thing and I can't figure out the length of time to grow from the packets, sorry.

Wings

[Flummery]

I think the stuff you've sown early will be for later this year. If you want a Spring cabbage sow in July and plant out late August.

[Winged one]

Thanks Flum - I'm on track so after all!!

[Cutecumber]

Your Rudolph psb is an early variety - meaning early in the winter. Expect it to produce December time. For spring crops you need Red Arrow or Claret or something like this. They mature from March into April. Sow these during May.

I'm not sure what is going to happen to your April cabbage - this is a spring cabbage which you would normally sown in August for harvest in April the next year. I don't know how it will react to being sown in February and grown through the warm months... keep an eye on it and make sure pick it before it gets a chance to bolt.

Your calabrese and cauliflower will probably mature late summer, and the first sprouts in early autumn, though this depends on the variety.

[Winged one]

Thanks Cutecumber - so harvest the April earlier than later and get another packet of PSB seeds for spring crops (more seeds - yay!!).

You grapes really do know everything!!

[rustylady]

I also started some purple sprouting brocolli (Rudolph?) and a second sowing of sprouts about 3 weeks ago - on the presumption that these would be timed right for the spring too. But I'm now a bit worried that I've gotten it all wrong. I can't figure out the length of time to grow from the packets, sorry.

Wings

The PSB and sprouts should be fine for winter cropping. Do check your seed packets for sowing and harvesting dates, they usually give good instructions in the form of a little chart on the back of the packet. Failing that, get hold of a copy of Dr Hessayon's Vegetable Expert - an excellent reference book.

[fiveravens]

Funnily enough, I also sowed both April and a savoy back in February, just as an experiment as I had a few seeds left over from last year. I potted them on and planted them out a fortnight ago under mesh. They're huge now! I won't allow them to head, as I want the ground for beetroot, but they'll make superb greens.