Brassica Plants 'Extra Early Collection'

Where to Plant

Choose a sunny, preferably sheltered position with fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil. All four vegetables belong to the brassica family and prefer firm ground with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Allow plenty of space for the mature plants, particularly the Brussels sprouts, which will remain in the ground through winter.

Preparing the Soil

Remove weeds and incorporate well-rotted garden compost or manure before planting, ideally allowing time for the soil to settle. Brassicas prefer firm ground, so avoid leaving the planting area loose and freshly dug. If your soil is acidic, test the pH before applying lime. Avoid adding lime and manure together immediately before planting.

When to Plant

This collection is supplied for early spring planting. Plant outdoors when the soil is workable, the plants are sufficiently developed and conditions are suitable. Avoid planting into frozen or waterlogged soil. If severe weather is forecast, keep the plugs somewhere cool, bright and sheltered until conditions improve.

How to Plant Your Brassicas

Water the plugs before planting. Make holes large enough for their rootballs and position the young plants slightly deeper than they were growing in their trays, with the lowest leaves close to soil level. Firm the soil around each plant and water thoroughly.

Allow the following approximate spacing:

• Broccoli 'Marathon': 45cm between plants, 60cm between rows.
• Cabbage 'Duncan': 30–45cm between plants, 40–45cm between rows.
• Cauliflower 'Maybach': 45–50cm between plants, 60cm between rows.
• Brussels Sprout 'Clodius': 60cm between plants, with at least 60cm between rows.

Give the taller Brussels sprouts room to develop without shading the smaller vegetables.

Growing in Raised Beds

All four varieties can be grown in raised beds with fertile soil and sufficient room for their mature foliage. Position the Brussels sprouts where they will not overshadow the earlier crops. Raised beds may dry out more quickly than open ground, so check soil moisture regularly during warm weather.

Growing in Containers

Individual plants can be grown in suitably large, deep containers with good drainage, although a vegetable plot or raised bed is generally more practical for the complete collection. Compact 'Duncan' cabbage is particularly suitable for container growing. Broccoli, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts need generous root space, consistent watering and regular attention to feeding. Avoid crowding several mature brassicas into one small pot.

Watering

Water regularly while the young plants establish, then continue watering during dry spells. Consistent moisture is especially important for broccoli and cauliflower as their heads develop. Avoid allowing the soil to become very dry between heavy soakings, as checks to growth can affect crop quality.

Feeding

Brassicas are hungry crops and grow best in fertile soil enriched with organic matter. Where needed, apply a suitable vegetable fertiliser according to the manufacturer's instructions. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which can encourage leafy growth without improving the harvest. Yellowing leaves can result from several problems, including waterlogging, pests or nutrient deficiencies, so check growing conditions before applying extra feed.

Mulching and Weeding

Apply a layer of well-rotted compost or other suitable organic mulch around established plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Keep mulch clear of the stems. Remove weeds regularly, taking care not to disturb the roots.

Protecting Against Caterpillars and Birds

Cover plants with fine insect-proof mesh, supported above the foliage and secured at the edges. This helps prevent cabbage white butterflies from laying eggs on the leaves and also protects against pigeons. Check plants regularly for caterpillars, eggs and damage, particularly during the warmer months.

Using Brassica Collars

Where included with your collection, place brassica collars around the base of young plants at soil level when planting. They help prevent cabbage root flies from laying eggs close to the stems, reducing the risk of larvae damaging the roots. Keep the collars flat against the soil and check their position as the plants grow. Collars are a useful protective measure, but do not provide complete protection against every brassica pest.

Other Pests and Diseases

Watch for slugs, snails, aphids, whitefly and cabbage root fly. Clubroot is another important brassica disease, particularly in acidic soils. Some varieties in this collection offer resistance to particular diseases, but none should be assumed immune to all common brassica problems. Good drainage, crop rotation and regular inspection help reduce the risk of trouble.

Crop Rotation

Avoid growing brassicas in the same position year after year. Where possible, leave at least three years before returning cabbage-family crops to the same bed. Broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and kale should all be counted together when planning your rotation.

Supporting Brussels Sprouts

'Clodius' develops sturdy stems, but plants can become top-heavy as they mature. In exposed gardens, support them with strong canes and soft ties. Firming soil around the base in late summer can also help prevent plants rocking in autumn and winter winds.

Keeping Crops Growing Steadily

Temperature extremes, drought and other checks to growth can affect the development of broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower. Keep the soil evenly moist, avoid unnecessary root disturbance and harvest mature heads promptly. Cauliflower is particularly sensitive to interrupted growth, so give 'Maybach' consistent care as the curds develop.

When Will Your Brassicas Be Ready?

This Extra Early Collection is selected to give you an early start, with the first crops possible from May in suitable growing conditions. Broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower provide earlier harvest opportunities, while 'Clodius' Brussels sprouts are grown on for winter picking. Actual harvest dates depend on the weather, planting conditions and the development of each variety.

Harvesting Broccoli 'Marathon'

Cut the main broccoli head when it is firm, well formed and made up of tightly closed blue-green buds. Use a sharp knife and leave the plant growing after harvesting. Smaller sideshoots can develop over the following weeks, giving you further pickings. Cut these while the buds are still compact, before yellow flowers appear.

Harvesting Cabbage 'Duncan'

Harvest 'Duncan' when the pointed heads are firm and have reached a useful size. Cut through the stem just above soil level with a sharp knife. The tender leaves can also be enjoyed as greens, although the timing of these early spring-planted plugs differs from cabbages grown over winter specifically for spring greens.

Harvesting Cauliflower 'Maybach'

Check the developing heads regularly as they approach maturity. Harvest when the creamy-white curds are firm, compact and tightly formed, before they begin to loosen, separate or discolour. Cut through the stem with a sharp knife, leaving several surrounding leaves attached to protect the head during handling.

Harvesting Brussels Sprout 'Clodius'

'Clodius' produces firm, rounded sprouts that are typically ready from December into February, depending on conditions. Begin picking at the bottom of the stem when the sprouts are well formed, tightly closed and around the size of a walnut. Snap or twist them off as needed, working upwards as more sprouts mature. Remove yellowing lower leaves when necessary.

Making the Most of Your Harvest

Broccoli and cauliflower can mature quickly, particularly during warm weather, so check them frequently. Harvest cabbage heads as they become ready rather than leaving them standing for too long. Brussels sprouts can usually remain on healthy plants through winter, allowing you to pick smaller quantities as required.

Top Tip

Position your Brussels sprouts towards the back of the vegetable bed, where they can continue growing after the earlier broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower have been harvested. You'll be able to clear the finished crops without disturbing the plants that are still growing for winter.

Four Vegetables for Everyday Cooking

Enjoy four familiar vegetables with different flavours and textures. 'Marathon' provides tender broccoli florets and stems, 'Duncan' offers crisp, sweet cabbage leaves, 'Maybach' produces firm cauliflower heads, and 'Clodius' gives you sweet, green Brussels sprouts during winter.

Nutritional Benefits

Brassicas are nutritious vegetables that provide dietary fibre, vitamin C and other vitamins and minerals, although their nutritional content varies by crop. They're useful additions to a varied, balanced diet and can be enjoyed in many everyday meals.

Broccoli – Steaming, Stir-Fries and Roasting

Lightly steam 'Marathon' broccoli until just tender, or add the florets to stir-fries with garlic and ginger. Roasting brings out a slightly sweeter, nuttier flavour. Don't discard the tender stems; peel any tough outer skin and slice them for cooking.

Cabbage – Crisp, Sweet and Tender

Finely shred 'Duncan' cabbage for coleslaw and salads, or lightly steam the leaves with a little butter. Its sweet, slightly nutty flavour also works well in stir-fries, soups and simple vegetable dishes.

Cauliflower – A Kitchen Favourite

'Maybach' is excellent for cauliflower cheese, steaming and roasting. Divide the head into florets for curries, vegetable bakes and soups, or roast with a little oil and seasoning until the edges turn golden. The tender leaves and stems can also be cooked rather than discarded.

Brussels Sprouts – Fresh Winter Flavour

Freshly picked 'Clodius' sprouts are delicious lightly steamed, sautéed with butter or roasted until the outer leaves become crisp. Try shredding them for quick stir-fries or cooking them with chestnuts for a traditional winter side dish.

Freezing Your Harvest

Broccoli, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts can all be frozen for later use. Wash and prepare the vegetables, blanch them briefly in boiling water, then cool quickly in iced water. Drain thoroughly before freezing in suitable containers or bags. Cabbage is usually best enjoyed fresh, although it can also be blanched and frozen for use in cooked dishes.

Storing Fresh Vegetables

Broccoli and cauliflower are at their best soon after picking. Keep them refrigerated if you're not using them immediately. Cabbage heads can also be stored in the fridge for several days. Brussels sprouts are best picked as needed while the plants remain healthy, giving you fresh vegetables through winter.

What Will I Receive?

Your Extra Early Brassica Collection contains four varieties of young vegetable plants: Broccoli 'Marathon', Cabbage 'Duncan', Cauliflower 'Maybach' and Brussels Sprout 'Clodius'. Each collection includes equal quantities of the four varieties, supplied as plug plants ready for spring planting when conditions are suitable.

Choosing Your Collection Size

• 16 Plug Plants: Four each of 'Marathon', 'Duncan', 'Maybach' and 'Clodius'.
• 32 Plug Plants: Eight of each variety, plus 30 free brassica collars.
• 64 Plug Plants: Sixteen of each variety, plus 60 free brassica collars.

Why Grow Four Brassica Varieties?

This collection gives you a useful selection of home-grown vegetables without having to raise four separate crops from seed. Broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower provide earlier harvest opportunities, while Brussels sprouts remain in the ground for winter picking. Because all four belong to the brassica family, they share similar soil preparation and pest protection requirements.

What Are Brassica Plug Plants?

Plug plants are young plants supplied with small, established rootballs. They give you a head start compared with sowing seed yourself and can be planted into prepared garden soil or raised beds once conditions are suitable. Handle the rootballs carefully when planting to avoid unnecessary damage to the roots.

Looking After Your Plants on Arrival

Unpack the plants promptly and check the moisture level of the compost. If the plugs are dry, stand the trays briefly in a shallow dish of water so the compost can absorb moisture, then allow them to drain. Keep the plants somewhere cool, bright and sheltered until you're ready to plant.

Are the Plants Ready to Plant Outdoors?

Our brassica plug plants are grown under cool conditions and hardened off for outdoor planting. They can usually go directly into their final positions when the soil is workable and the weather is suitable. There is no need to pot them on routinely if they're ready to plant and conditions are favourable.

What If I Can't Plant Straight Away?

Keep the plugs in a cool, sheltered position, protected from strong winds and severe weather. Check the compost regularly and water when needed, without leaving the roots waterlogged. If planting is delayed for an extended period or the plants begin to outgrow their plugs, pot them on temporarily into suitable compost.

What Are Brassica Collars For?

Brassica collars help protect young plants against cabbage root fly by creating a barrier around the base of the stem. Where included, fit them at planting time, making sure they sit flat against the soil. Check them occasionally as the plants develop. They complement other protection measures, such as fine insect-proof mesh.

Planning Your Growing Space

Allow sufficient room for each vegetable to reach its mature size. 'Duncan' cabbage is comparatively compact, while broccoli and cauliflower need more space for their leaves and developing heads. 'Clodius' Brussels sprouts grow taller and remain in the ground for much longer, so position them where they won't shade or obstruct the earlier crops.