Cool weather crops

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XMelissaX Indianapolis, IN(Zone 5b) Jan 26, 2011

I haven't grown any cool-weather vegetables before. Can anyone in my area tell me when they usually plant things like cauliflower, broccoli, sugar-snap peas, and spinach? And approx how long they survive into the summer? I'm going to 'search' all these before I start the seeds, but haven't yet so any other info or growing tips is appreciated. Thanks.

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HoneybeeNC Charlotte, NC(Zone 7b) Jan 28, 2011

There are some US Regional Gardening Forums here at Dave's Garden - perhaps someone from there could help you

http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/

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Farmerdill Augusta, GA(Zone 8a) Jan 28, 2011

There are Indianna folks on this forum, hopefully some of them will answer. Your best bet is to get a planting guide for your area from your local agricultural extension agent. I n general the spinach and peas are direct sown as soon as the ground thaws and dries out a bit ( As soon as the ground can be worked). Broccoli and cauliflower are started indoors abot 8 weeks before your last average frost date, hardened off , and tranplanted just before your last frost date. They will stand frost and light freezes if properly hardened off.

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starwoodfarm Baker City, OR Jan 31, 2011

Cauliflower is fussy. Good luck with that. I've read that planting it out at four weeks is better because any longer will "check" the growth. Snow Crown is a variety many have had success with when all others fail.

Broccoli and cauliflower can go out when it stays above about 50 degrees in the daytime. And nights above 30 ish.

Get a variety know for producing side shoots, and your broccoli harvest will last longer.

There are varieties of spinach that grow fast but will bolt fast, and varieties that are bolt resistant that will last longer into the summer, but they will still bolt at 80 degrees or so.

Peas can go in the ground when daytime temps are about 40. Depending on the variety, they will last for awhile into early summer. Check the catalogue descriptions.

Here's a table that shows when vegetables like to germinate:

http://www.growgreatvegetables.com/plantinggrowing/germination.html Scroll down a bit.

Here is growing advice for many different vegetables:

http://www.growgreatvegetables.com/plantinggrowing/Specific-vegetable-advice.html

Good luck!

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Farmerdill Augusta, GA(Zone 8a) Jan 31, 2011

Have not found cauliflower to be that fussy. It will tolerate less heat than broccoli, but I would not expect heat to be a problem in Indianna. Here in Georgia, cauliflower does have to be blanched (leaves tied over the head). But it will go until temps climb consistently into the high 90's. June for us. Snow Crown has been the poorest performer for me, but I have gotten satisfactory heads. Montana, Rushmore, Candid Charm, White Passion, White Cloud have been better performers for me. Majestic a shade better than Snow Crown. http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/adv_search.php?searcher%5Bcommon%5D=cauliflower&searcher%5Bfamily%5D=&searcher%5Bgenus%5D=&searcher%5Bspecies%5D=&searcher%5Bcultivar%5D=&searcher%5Bhybridizer%5D=&searcher%5Bgrex%5D=&search_prefs%5Bblank_cultivar%5D=&search_prefs%5Bsort_by%5D=rating&images_prefs=with&Search=Search

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HoneybeeNC Charlotte, NC(Zone 7b) Feb 01, 2011

I like cauliflower smothered in cheese sauce, with a touch of hot sauce!

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