There are numerous acceptable varieties. Some Fusarium-resistant standard varieties are Resistant Golden Acre, Resistant Wakefield, Green- back, and Resistant Danish (in order of maturity from early to late). Other popular standard varieties include Early Marvel, Golden Acre, Copenhagen Market, Early Round Dutch (slower bolting), Red Acre, Danish Ballhead and Chieftain Savoy.

Top, early hybrid Premium Crop broccoli. Above, Savoy cabbage.

Some Fusarium-resistant hybrids are Wizard, Market Victor, Gourmet, Market Prize, King Cole, and Excel. Other hybrids include Emerald Cross, Stonehead, Ruby Ball, Red Head, Savoy King, and Savoy Ace.

The heads are usable as soon as they become fairly firm. Early varieties grown under favorable conditions will reach the harvest stage 55 to 70 days after transplanting. Later varieties may require 110 to 120 days or more. In warm weather, heads may split open fairly soon after reaching the harvest stage. In cool weather they may remain good for several weeks. In cold regions, cabbage should be harvested before hard freezes occur. It can be stored at high humidity and low temperature (32-40 F) for several months.

Cabbage planted early for summer harvest often will develop small heads on the stem after the center head is removed. These are quite edible and can be used to extend the harvest period.

Cauliflower The Snowball group of varieties is the most commonly used in home gardens. Snow King, Snow Crown and Snowflower are fast-growing hybrids. Self Blanch and Snowball Y are examples of good standard late varieties. The purple headed type, somewhat of a novelty, turns green when cooked and resembles broccoli. In southern California and probably in other warm winter areas, the winter type will perform satisfactorily. November-December, February, and Mayflower are common varieties.

The ideal time to set out cauliflower plants is late July or August, as late September and October often provide the most desirable weather for developing good quality. Covering the developing heads helps in producing pure white curds, but the slightly yellowish curds obtained without covering are generally of equal quality. Exposed curds (heads) may be injured by frosts. So as the frosty season approaches, protect the heads by tying together the inner leaves or breaking an inner leaf or two over the head.

Green and purple types of kohlrabi dug after partially overwintering in a garden in Oregon.

The heads are ready to use as soon as they reach suitable size. They should be cut before the parts begin to separate or become "ricey". As with broccoli, cauliflower tastes best soon after harvest.

Brussels Sprouts This crop is best grown for fall harvest by setting out plants in June or early July. Catskill, Jade Cross (F1), and Long Island Improved are common varieties. In warm weather the sprouts tend to be loose and of poor quality, but they firm up and become milder in flavor as the cool weather arrives. Sprouts 1 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter are desirable. In harvesting, remove the leaf beneath the sprout and cut or break off the sprout. Harvesting can continue as long as the sprouts develop.

Debudding, cutting out the growing point in late August or early September after the plants are 15 to 20 inches tall, tends to induce the sprouts on the plant to be ready at about the same time. This practice may be helpful in areas where winter sets in early.

Kohlrabi---Kohlrabi, a "stem turnip", can be eaten fresh or boiled or added to soups and stews. It can be planted in the spring, but usually is best for use in the fall (and winter in the South) after frost-tender vegetables are gone. Seeded in the garden, kohlrabi is ready to use in 55 to 65 days. Harvest kohlrabi when it is 2 to 4 inches in size and the flesh is still tender. Suitable varieties include Early White Vienna and Early Purple Vienna.

Chinese Cabbage This vegetable, though a different species than the cole crops, has similar culture. It can be used raw or cooked.

Plants tend to go to seed rapidly when planted in the spring, so late June and early July seedlings for fall production are most suitable.

Michihli forms a tall slender head. Wong-bok, Hybrid G, and Burpee Hybrid have shorter, blockier heads. Crispy Choy is a non-heading or looseleaf type.