Growing Brassicas in Florida

My wife and I were caught off guard the first time our son asked for more greens at the dinner table. Out of everything we grow, it was the collard greens that won him over. He loved them so much that he looked at us and said we should plant more. Imagine that, a child actually requesting more greens not just to eat but to grow. That moment made us realize how powerful it is to put fresh, homegrown food on the table and how much influence a garden can have on the way a family eats.

Growing brassicas in Florida takes some planning, but when you see moments like that, you know it is worth the effort. These cool season vegetables include broccoli, cabbage, kale, collards, and cauliflower, and they thrive when the weather is mild. In Florida, that means planting from fall through spring. If you attempt them in the heat of summer, they will struggle and often bolt before you even get a decent harvest.

The timing is crucial. North Florida gardeners can begin in September, while Central and South Florida usually wait until October or November. The goal is to plant during the window when daytime highs stay below eighty and nights settle into the fifties. Hitting that window gives your brassicas the best chance to grow strong and healthy instead of stressed.

The soil preparation matters just as much. Florida’s sandy soil is weak on nutrients and cannot sustain heavy feeding plants like brassicas without amendment. Adding compost, worm castings, or aged manure will give your crops the fuel they need while also improving water retention. A soil pH between 6.0 and 6.8 works best, and drainage is just as important as fertility. These crops like steady moisture but will not tolerate soggy roots.

Variety selection makes a big difference in how successful your harvest will be. Collards such as ‘Georgia Southern’ are especially tough and reliable in Florida. Broccoli varieties like ‘Packman’ and ‘Green Magic’ mature quickly, helping you get a harvest before the weather warms again. Cabbages such as ‘Flat Dutch’ and ‘Bravo’ are sturdy choices for Florida’s mild winters. Kale can be counted on throughout the cool season, with both curly and Lacinato types producing well. Cauliflower is more challenging, but quick growers like ‘Snow Crown’ can give good results if timed correctly.

Florida gardens also come with Florida pests. Brassicas are a favorite target for aphids, cabbage loopers, and diamondback moths. Lightweight row covers can keep the plants protected, especially when they are young. If pests still make their way in, neem oil or BT are safe and effective ways to control them.

When it comes time to harvest, each plant has its own signal. Broccoli should be cut when the head is tight and before yellow flowers appear, and after that the plant will often send out smaller side shoots for weeks. Cabbage is ready when the head feels firm in your hands but must be harvested before splitting. Kale and collards can be picked leaf by leaf, starting with the outer leaves and letting the plant continue to produce from the center. Cauliflower requires a little extra care: tie the outer leaves loosely over the developing head to keep it white and tender until ready.

Brassicas may not be year round crops in Florida, but they bring incredible value to the garden during the cooler months. They add nutrition, variety, and moments that make the effort worth it like watching your child ask for more collard greens. While much of the country is scraping ice off car windows in January, you could be harvesting your own fresh broccoli, cabbage, and kale right from your backyard.