U.S. flagAn official website of the United States government
                    Here's how you know **Official websites use .gov**
                            
                            A **.gov** website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
 **Secure .gov websites use HTTPS**
                            
                            A **lock** (                            
                              A locked padlock                                                      
                            
                            ) or **https://** means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.


Menu Agricultural Research Service
						
                    U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
 Plant Genetic Resources Unit (PGRU): Geneva, NY
 close



    Research

                    Research Projects
                                    Publications
                                    Collaborations
                                    News
                People

                    Staff Listing
                                    Careers


        


                    Diversity Collections
                        Apple
                                    Brassica
                                    Buckwheat
                                    Celery
                                    Grape
                                    Hemp
                                    Onion
                                    Radish
                                    Squash
                                    Tart Cherry
                                    Tomato
                                    Other Seed CropsSearch small
                    Search
            
            ARS Home
                                About ARS
                                Contact Us




ARS Home Northeast Area Geneva, New York Plant Genetic Resources Unit (PGRU) Docs







Brassica Productionheadline bar *Brassica in isolation cageBrassica*spp.are members of the family Brassicaceae. This family consists of over 350 genera. The *Brassica*genus consists of many species including *napus*(rutabaga and rape), *oleracea*(broccoli, cabbage, kale, etc.), and *rapa*(turnip and Chinese cabbage) to name a few. *Brassicas* have perfect flowers but require insect pollinators**. Seed producers must keep in mind that varieties of the same species will cross-pollinate with other varieties of the same species.** That means that broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, kohlrabi, collards, cauliflower and kale can all cross-pollinate each other (all are *B. oleracea*). Isolation distances of at least 1/2 - 1 mile should be sufficient between varieties. Minimum population sizes for all *brassicas*should be at least 100 plants.Brassica in greenhouse Most *brassicas*are biennials (taking 2 seasons to produce seed), and require a cold treatment (vernalization) in order to flower. After first year production, cabbage plants should be dug up and overwintered in a root cellar with the roots buried in sawdust or sand. Before planting for seed the second year, trim the heads (see picture to right). Harvest seed pods when they are fully mature, they will not mature any further after harvest. As they start to mature, the pods will start to dry and turn brown.  If the seed pods are allowed to dry completely in the field, you run the risk of them shattering. It is best Brassica in fieldto harvest the mature plants and allow them to dry completely in mesh bags or on tarps. *Brassica*pods need to be threshed first (we use a belt thresher but this can be done by hand threshing) and then the smaller chaff can be separated by using screens or an air column or simply by general winnowing.


Return to top


Connect with ARS Sign up


ARS Home
                            USDA.gov
                            Plain Writing
                            Policies & Links
                            Civil Rights Statements
                            FOIA
                            Accessibility Statement
                            Privacy Policy
                            Non-Discrimination Statement
                            Quality of Information
                            USA.gov
                            WhiteHouse.gov