Marian Parsley’s Recommendations for Fall Vegetables

September 9, 2008
Stephanie Fleming
Edibles
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Broccoli ‘Packman ‘F1 hybrid’–Early maturing hybrid; massive 8″ sage green heads. Delicious small to medium beads are densely set on domed heads. Reaches maturity in 55-57 days. Great for freezing!

*Brussels Sprouts ‘Royal Marvel’–Firm, dark green well-wrapped sprouts. Earlier Jade Cross type. Tightly wrapped sprouts tend to resist insect damage. 85 days to harvest.

*Cabbage ‘Dynamo’ Blue-green tightly wrapped heads 2-2 ½ lbs. Crunchy sweet flavor. Low fat, low calorie food when eaten raw. Perfect for small space gardening. Reaches maturity in 70 days. All America Selections Winner.

*Cabbage ‘Ruby Perfection’ F1 hybrid-Beautiful 4 lb. red cabbage. Crisp and flavorful. High Yielding. Red color enhances any salad or cole slaw. Reaches maturity in 85 days.

*Cauliflower ‘Snow Crown’ F1 hybrid–Pure white, fully domed curds on a head that is 7″- 8″ across. Mild and sweet; vigorous grower. Reaches maturity in 50 days.

*NEW!!! Cauliflower ‘Cheddar’ F1 hybrid–Beautiful orange dome-shaped heads. Offers 25% more beta carotene than standard white types. Color holds even when cooked. Sure to create a stir at the dinner table. Reaches maturity in 68 days.

*Lettuce ‘Bistro Blend’–Gourmet salad blend; exotic leaf shapes and textures. 60-65 days to harvest.

*Lettuce ‘Buttercrunch’–Luscious, buttery texture. Soft heads are creamy yellow inside. Compact heads with some heat resistance. 50-55 days to harvest. Bibb type.

*Lettuce ‘Red Sails’ Early, red fancy leaf lettuce, a salad lover’s dream. Bronzy-red leaves taste as good as they look. 45 days to harvest. Looseleaf type.

*Swiss Chard ‘Bright Lights’ Unique yellow, gold, orange, pink, violet, green and striped stems create a beautiful display in the garden. Tender, flavorful burgundy and green leaves. All America Selections Winner. Reaches maturity in 60 days.

Behnke Nurseries also stocks varieties of Celery, Green & Red Kale.

*Recommended Vegetable Cultivars for Maryland Home Gardens (pdf file):

By Marian Parsley, Seasonal Plants Buyer
(originally from Behnke GardeNews Fall 2008 Newsletter)

Stephanie Fleming

Stephanie Fleming was raised at Behnke’s Nurseries in Beltsville. Her Mom, Sonja, was one of Albert & Rose Behnke’s four children. She was weeding from the moment she could walk and hiding as soon as she was old enough to run, so many weeds, so little time. Although she quickly learned how to pull out a perennial and get taken off of weed pulling duty.