And now, it’s time for Brassicas on #seedsavingformarketgrowers.
How many different Brassicas are in your garden?
You can probably name a lot.
(If you’ve never heard the term, here’s a short list: Broccoli (hence the picture), Napa Cabbage, Kale, Mizuna, Rutabaga, Arugula, Brussels Sprouts, Tatsoi, Collards, and many more !!! ???? ???? ???? )
Up until this post, I have been focusing on crops rather than species.
Today, that all changes. You can’t understand Brassica seed saving if you don’t understand Brassica species.
Only Brassicas of the same species will cross together.
If you grow different Brassica species side by side, you will not see any crossing.
What are these fabulous and wondrous Brassica species?
Here are their names:
- Brassica juncea
- Brassica oleracea
- Brassica napus
- Brassica rapa
- Eruca sativa
- Raphanus sativus
So which Brassica crops belong to which species?
Stay tuned …
p.s. Yes, there are a few more – I really debated adding Lepidium sativum to the list – but I’m going to stick with the most common.
#meetyourbrassicas
Yes, it is time for brassicas! I just planted cabbage and broccoli in the garden yesterday! The kale that has been outside all winter is coming back to life as well! (seed this year? I hope so.)