Are Cole Crops and Cold Crops the same thing? Which term is the most accurate to describe the cold tolerant vegetables grown in late winter and early spring?
Cole crops and cold crops are not the same, although there are quite a few vegetables that fit into both categories. The term “cole crops” refers to leafy vegetable plants in the mustard family that tolerate cool temperatures and includes broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, kale, turnips, rutabaga, collards and kohlrabi.
“Cold crops” are plants that will thrive in cool or cold weather. They can be planted before the threat of frost has passed in spring, and many of them can be planted in fall and survive the first frosts for a late season harvest. Vegetables such as lettuce, spinach, kale, peas and radishes are good examples of cold crops. In other words, all “cole crops” are considered “cold crops”.
When purchasing cole crops and cold crops that have been grown inside a greenhouse, be sure to allow them time to acclimate to the cooler temperatures. This process is called hardening off. For example, leave them outdoors for an hour or two at a time in cooler and cooler temperatures until they have spent a meaningful amount of time in the likely coldest temperatures they will endure over night. Even the most cold-tolerant plants will not survive if they are thrust into an extreme temperature change to which they are not accustomed. We open March 1st and will have cold crops available for purchase on opening day.
