I’m wondering whether to give up on my brassicas. The cabbages are okay, they’re starting to form little balls. But the broc and cauli don’t seem to be doing anything. I planted two batches – end June and mid July. They take up a fair bit of space that I could use for other things. What do you think?

cauliflower can take up to 9 months before being ready to harvest. They will look like they are doing nothing then you will go out one day and there is a huge head on it!!

I’d give the broccoli a bit more time too. Once you start picking you can get a few harvests from side shoots too so is worth the wait.

SueBk said:

I’m wondering whether to give up on my brassicas. The cabbages are okay, they’re starting to form little balls. But the broc and cauli don’t seem to be doing anything. I planted two batches – end June and mid July. They take up a fair bit of space that I could use for other things. What do you think?

Well…. what would you like to use the area for?? Can it be put off a bit longer??

My caulies are just thinking of developing a head in them…. they take a while to develop…. caulies longer than broccoli.

broc and cauli are winter crops down south. they can be planted in summer and no doubt they will grow in the tropics.
i’m growing cab and broc in the shade of a tree this summer.
i don’t know but i suspect the tropical wet season might see them ‘bolting’ (going to seed).

down south (melb or cooler) June + July are not the best months to plant out. these are the coldest months and seedlings should be established either earlier or later.
how big are they now?
both cabbage and cauli will appreciate good feedings with manure/b&b/etc. and broccoli somewhat less.
they like a bit of dolomite in the soil also, as long as the soil is not already alkaline. sour soil conditions cause whiptail and clubroot. they need full sun.