skip to main content

Cornucopia - Australia

Basic Brassica Questions

21 years ago

Two questions:

1. What are good multi-heading varieties of brocolli for Melbourne? It seems such a waste to grow single-headed varieties.

2. What do you do with kohlrabi? I bought some seeds because I read that it was a good summer alternative to brocolli because it does attract the White Cabbage Butterfly. When I saw the picture on theseed packet I saw the big bulb - what do you do with it?

Many thanks for any answers. Regards, Puck

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (3)

The_Grub
21 years ago
Hi Puck,
I have more kohlrabi that I ever envisaged. We like it boiled as a vegetable. Tried grating it with salads but it smells and goes limp. It is really excellent pickled in sweetened vinegar, with carrots and onions, garlic and touch of chilli, cloves, black pcs, etc. I have read here that fritters taste wonderful. Haven't tried that yet.

The late-season ones that I'm yet to harvest have a few grubs eating their leaves. I'm supposing they are from the white cabbage moths fluttering about. But that doesn't seem to matter as you eat the bulb. The leaves are pretty bland. The chooks, or what's left of them, like the leaves.

Must harvest the bulb when it's no bigger than about the diameter of a can. Tends to woodiness otherwise. I've got about 5kg at least in the fridge, where it stores well, and twice that amount in the ground. Aphids are emerging as a problem on some bulbs, infestations of them oozing cabbage fumes from their fetid bodies. But they can't get into the bulb.

If I could grow cauli I would above all else.
Puck
Original Author
21 years ago
Thanks Grub,

From your reply it sounds as though it is treated pretty much like cabbage - although probably quicker to grow and does much better in warm weather. Good point about the aphids because they are another thing that knocks around brocolli. I agree with you about cauliflower - I would grow it more but my limited experience suggests that it takes too long. Maybe I should try again. My main reason for looking for summer alternatives to brocolli is that the kids eat brocolli so well - now I'll try them on kohlrabi.

Regards, Puck
Related Discussions
Basic question: 'canner load'
Q
Comments (10)
I BWB in my stockpots, so for me a "load" is what fits. I use smaller pots if I have a smaller load, sometimes as little as four 1/2 pints. I put in jars so the fit and don't have enough room to fall over. They move around in the canner so even if you space them out carefully, they won't be that way when you open it up. If you have a rack with holding spots, you can keep them apart, but with just a bottom rack, if there is room for them to crowd together and then have room for one to tip over, seems like that is just what they do. I now always add jars with water (no lid) to fill any "empty" spaces if I don't have a full load. Like Digdirt said, for PC you need a pot big enough to hold 4 quart jars - usually about 10 qt liquid capacity.
...See More
Basic Bedding Question
Q
Comments (1)
I can't really see what's going on, so I have questions.. Is the gray bit the foundation? If so, do you have to have it? If it's a queen size comforter, can you bump up to a king? Basically you need more comforter to cover the foundation (also get one same color fitted sheet as your comforter and cover the foundation with it...for a start)
...See More
Basic question on bathtub
Q
Comments (7)
If you are referring to the overflow pipe when you say "16 inches", that could vary by manufacturer and tub model. According to some the standard height for tub valves is 28" above the floor with the spout being located below that. Install the shower switch valve at the same height as the tub valves as shown HERE. The shower head should be 72-78 inches above the floor. All of this can vary depending on the height of the user, or personal preference and aesthetics. Valves for a shower only are set at 48 inches above the floor.
...See More
Super basic question: kitchen faucet replacement
Q
Comments (5)
Get a single lever faucet for the middle which will can come with a matching soap dispenser. Install a matching garbage disposal button; less than $100.00. Three holes filled. A good granite guy can pull repair material from the back of one of your splashes and fill a hole or two, but that can be pricy. These can't be seen when standing at the sink: You can replace your sink with one with a faucet deck and all unused holes are eliminated: If that 15-year-old has been leaking, the nut may be oxidized to the shaft; you'll only get it off with a grinder with a diamond blade. Don't touch the deck when you do, or drop the sink and cut it off from underneath.
...See More
lomatia
21 years ago
Puck, I think there was a variety of broc called Premium Crop that does well over the summer in Melbourne. Marathon has a lot of sideshoots. Eden Seeds have a few resprouters on their list. The Green Dragon seedlings at nurseries are generic. I think they select a variety for the time of the year.
I don't grow Brassicas (except turnips and swedes) because they all mature at the same time. What do you do with 6 cabbages? Maybe grow red cabbage and pickle them?

Related Stories

WORKING WITH PROS 10 Questions to Ask Potential Contractors

By Ventana Construction LLC

Ensure the right fit by interviewing general contractors about topics that go beyond the basics

CONTAINER GARDENS Container Garden Basics: How and When to Water Potted Plants

Confused about soil moisture, the best time to water and what watering device to use? This guide can help

KITCHEN DESIGN 9 Questions to Ask When Planning a Kitchen Pantry

By Susan Redman

Avoid blunders and get the storage space and layout you need by asking these questions before you begin

WORKING WITH PROS Go Beyond the Basics When Interviewing Architects

By Dylan Chappell

Before you invest all that money and time, make sure you and your architect are well matched beyond the obvious levels

GREEN BUILDING Going Solar at Home: Solar Panel Basics

By Christine Tusher

Save money on electricity and reduce your carbon footprint by installing photovoltaic panels. This guide will help you get started

REMODELING GUIDES Survive Your Home Remodel: 11 Must-Ask Questions

By Mitchell Parker

Plan ahead to keep minor hassles from turning into major headaches during an extensive renovation

SELLING YOUR HOUSE 15 Questions to Ask When Interviewing a Real Estate Agent

By Laura Gaskill

Here’s what you should find out before selecting an agent to sell your home

LIGHTING 5 Questions to Ask for the Best Room Lighting

By Karen LeBlanc Design TV Host & Writer/Blogger

Get your overhead, task and accent lighting right for decorative beauty, less eyestrain and a focus exactly where you want

REMODELING GUIDES Considering a Fixer-Upper? 15 Questions to Ask First

By Sarah Phipps Design

Learn about the hidden costs and treasures of older homes to avoid budget surprises and accidentally tossing valuable features

WORKING WITH PROS 12 Questions Your Interior Designer Should Ask You

By Mike Dietrich

The best decorators aren’t dictators — and they’re not mind readers either. To understand your tastes, they need this essential info

Sponsored

NME Builders LLC

2 Reviews

Remodeling Company in New Albany, Ohio