Dec. 24, 2003

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COLLEGE STATION – Take the plunge now – with cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower transplants – and a healthy harvest of these cancer-preventing vegetables will be ready to serve within two or three months, Texas Cooperative Extension horticulturists advise.

"It is not too late to plant broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower in most of the state, except the Panhandle," said Dr. Doug Welsh, Extension specialist and state Master Gardener coordinator. "These vegetables will survive most winters and then be ready to harvest in February through March."

Welsh said Panhandle area gardeners should wait until mid-February to plant for harvest in early May.

Cabbage, cauliflower and broccoli are among vegetables known as cruciferous – so named for the cross-like shape of their flowers – and have been widely documented in research around the world as having properties that prevent cancer.

These vegetables should be planted in a sunny location, in rich, well-drained soil, according to Welsh. All are hardy annuals that will tolerate evening temperatures in the 40-70 degrees range, so gardeners should watch weather reports and cover plants during occasional freezing spells which last 24 hours or longer.

Welsh pointed out that one can easily plant these vegetables in existing flower beds around the home if a formal vegetable garden space is not possible.

Here are some other facts to consider when raising these crops at home:

Broccoli – a 10-foot row yields about 10-20 pounds. For each person, raise about 8-10 pounds, depending on how much the members of the family like it, Welsh said. This plant requires 65-110 days from planting to maturity. Multiple harvests can be made from each plant.

Cabbage – a 10-foot row produces 10-18 pounds. Plan to raise 15 pounds per person. Allow 65-100 days from transplanting to maturity.

Cauliflower – a 10-foot row makes 15-20 pounds, and one should allot 8-10 pounds per person. From planting to maturity, count on 65-90 days.

For more information, on the Web go to http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/mastergd/index.html or contact the local county Extension office.