Late summer is the ideal time to plant Brassicas (Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, kohlrabi, cauliflower and kale). Start them early enough, and they’ll grow late into the fall. These fall plants are hardy, nutritious, delicious and easy to grow. Note: If you live in the East Bay, wait until September to plant fall vegetables.
Brassicas need time during warm weather to grow large and leafy before the onset of late fall frosts. The larger the plants become, the greater the size of heads and edible flowering stalks. It is the onset of cool weather that initiates the “heading up”. Plants started in the spring will tend to be smaller, bolt (flower too early), or have small, loose flower heads.