Harvest lower leaves as the plant grows. Watch cabbage loopers and aphids; leaves become tougher in hot spring weather.
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 windowSeptember–December.How to plantDirect sow or transplant into cooler fall weather.Plant spacing12–18 inFrostTolerates light frost once established; cover during a hard freeze.Time to harvestAbout 60–90 daysSuccessionOne established planting gives repeated pickings.Special categoriesEDIBLETypical harvestPick leaves repeatedly through winter and early spring.
Before you plant
These conditions determine whether it will thrive.
Cold hardinessHardy here
Very cold hardy, and a frost can even sweeten the leaves. Phoenix winters won't hurt established plants.
Leaves and wood: damaged below 20°FHeat toleranceShade from late-afternoon sun
Handles warm spring days better than lettuce but gets tough, bitter and buggy as it heats up. Most plants are done by late April or May in Phoenix.
