Cabbage ?

[Catalina]

I left some cabbage and broccoli stems in the garden last year, after I harvested the big heads.
I was hoping for a second smaller head, but what I got was a fly attractant! The stems collected water and started to stink - they were still alive and growing, but they were rotting at the same time.
A few made 2nd heads, but the smell was NOT worth it.

Good luck!

 

[davaroo]

Hey, very cool info! I had planned on starting some cool-weather crops (cabbage was included) in late August since our growing season is exceptionally long here. So I will just cut the heads off, leave the plants then hopefully I will have my seeds next year. But I am understanding I won't have my own seeds to grow from until late summer, correct?

The second year cabbage will likely go to seed once the temp remains above 77 degrees F. This means mid summer at the latest:

Harvesting for Seed:
Harvest seed pods when they are fully mature, they will not mature any further after harvest. As they start to mature, the pods will start to dry and turn brown. If the seed pods are allowed to dry completely in the field, you run the risk of them shattering. It is best to harvest the mature plants and allow them to dry completely in mesh bags or on tarps.

Seed Processing:
Brassica pods need to be threshed first (we use a belt thresher but this can be done by hand threshing) and then the smaller chaff can be separated by using screens or an air column or simply by general winnowing.