A long-season crop with less predictable tight sprouts in warm winters. Harvest firm lower sprouts first; prioritize early fall establishment.
EdibleCool-season crop
Growing spaceVegetable bedClimate fitUrban core · USDA 9b–10a · Valley suburbs · USDA 9a–9b · Desert outskirts · USDA 8b–9bCrop familyBrassicaceae (mustard)Life cycleAnnual cropPhoenix planting windowStart seed in August–September; transplant September–November for a long winter crop.How to plantRaise transplants early; set out when heat abates.Plant spacing18–24 inFrostTolerates light frost once established; cover during a hard freeze.Time to harvestAbout 100–120 days from transplants; 130–150 from seedSuccessionUsually one early fall planting; later starts may run into heat.Special categoriesEDIBLETypical harvestWinter to early spring sprouts if the cool spell lasts.
Before you plant
These conditions determine whether it will thrive.
Cold hardinessHardy here
One of the hardiest crops, and frost improves the flavor. No cover needed in a normal Phoenix winter.
Leaves and wood: damaged below 20°FHeat toleranceNeeds afternoon shade
Needs a long cool run. Sprouts turn loose and bitter in warm weather, so plant by November and harvest by March in Phoenix.
