Late cole crops can be seeded or transplanted in an area cropped to lettuce, peas, spinach, or snap beans but should not follow radishes or other crucifers. Proper spacing for seeded plants is best accomplished if three or four seeds are dropped in one place and later thinned to a single plant before they become overcrowded. Weed Control Cole crop roots grow near the surface, so cultivation and hoeing should be shallow. This is particularly important as plants increase in size and root injury is more likely to occur. Weeding is usually necessary until plants are about half grown to shade the soil and reduce weed competition.
Timely cultivation is important, since weeds are controlled best when they are small.
Cultivation and hoeing are preferred weed control methods in small gardens. Chemical herbicides are available for larger plantings. For information regarding pesticides currently registered on each cole crop, contact the county Extension office or the Department of Horticulture , University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska 68583-0724. Irrigation and Side-dressing Fertilizer For good yields and quality, cole crops should grow at a rapid and regular rate. This is particularly important with broccoli and even more so with cauliflower to avoid premature forming of small heads.