When to plant: Transplant: February–April, August–September (maybe October)
Harvest as soon as they reach maturity (the head is firm and has reached an acceptable size).
Leaving them in the garden too long may result in bolting or split heads.
Kale, a member of the cabbage family, is a cool-season vegetable grown for its leaves. Leaves taste sweeter after exposure to cold temperatures.
Transplant: February–April (maybe May), September–October (maybe August and November)
Direct Seed: March–April (maybe February and May), September–October (maybe…
Kohlrabi is a member of the cabbage family and is grown for its edible, bulb-shaped, stem. Often mistaken for a root plant, the bulb sits just above the soil. The taste and texture are similar to the stems of broccoli but is juicier and crisper.
Mustard is a member of the cabbage family. Like the others, they grow best in the cool season. Mustard comes in a variety of beautiful colors (green, red, purple) and textures (smooth, ruffled, lacy) making it very ornamental as well.
For best Brussels sprouts production, transplant seedlings into the garden in May or June. The plants will begin to produce sprouts in the summer and will continue through the fall and winter.
Napa cabbage is a large oblong cabbage with delicate, crinkled, pale green to white leaves and crisp, wide white ribs. Its flavor is mild and sweet. It is also known as Peking Cabbage and celery cabbage.
Brussels sprouts are a cool season crop, preferring temperatures under 70º F. Sprouts maturing in hot weather and/or dry conditions are more likely to develop bitterness.
Transplant into the garden in July–August (possibly September).
If grown from seed, start 4–5 weeks before desired transplant date.
Belgian endive can be successfully grown in Santa Clara County as a cool weather green. The plants need to be started in the summer. In late fall, they are harvested, trimmed, and transplanted into damp sand where they are kept cool and dark. Six plants will yield weekly salad greens from December through…