The Brassicas Family

Brassicas----this family of vegetables takes it's botanical name  BRASSICACEAE from the genus-Brassica.  This family group contains Annuals, Biennials, and Perennials.  All produce the same characteristic flower, with the four petals arranged in a cross (another name for this family is Cruciferae).  They are grown for their leaves, buds, roots, stems or shoots.  They thrive in cool, moist climates.

Members of this family include:
Arugula
Asian mustard
Bok Choy
Broccoli
Brussels sprouts
Cabbage
Cauliflower
Chinese cabbage
Cress
Kale
Kohlrabi
Minza greens
Radishes
Rutabagas
Seakale
Turnips
Upland cress

Brassicas prefer a moist, firm soil (they do exceptionally well in my clay soil, and cool weather).  They are heavy feeders so plant in an area precluded by a crop of peas or beans that have fixed nitrogen in the soil.  Brassicas make up a large portion of your garden so it is important to keep track of plantings and rotations to avoid diseases.

Here is a picture of the Brassicas family that lives on my beautiful, sustainable farm.

the CABBAGE family

papa cabbage

mama cabbage

and little junior