Best Brassicas to Grow in Hawaii
Hawaii spans USDA Zones 10–13, typically Zone 10. We've broken out 79 brassica varieties by zone — pick your zone below or find the right varieties for your specific part of the state.
Varieties
79
for Hawaii
USDA
Zones 10–13
320–365 days season
Beginner
65
easy to grow
Heirloom
34
heritage varieties
Hawaii in USDA Zones 10–13
Hawaii spans Zones 10–13. Variety lists below are organized by zone — start with your zone for the most accurate recommendations.
Growing Brassicas in Hawaii
Zone 10's warm subtropical climate presents unique opportunities and challenges for growing brassicas. While many gardeners struggle with short growing seasons, you have the luxury of nearly year-round cultivation with an impressive 320-day growing season. However, the heat can be your biggest enemy – brassicas are cool-season crops that bolt quickly when temperatures soar, and your mild winters are actually your prime growing time. The key to success lies in timing your plantings for fall through early spring and choosing heat-tolerant, slow-bolting varieties.
When selecting brassica varieties for Zone 10, prioritize those bred for heat tolerance and bolt resistance. Quick-maturing varieties like De Cicco Broccoli and Early White Vienna Kohlrabi allow you to harvest before the intense heat arrives, while hardy varieties like Georgia Southern Collards and Red Russian Kale can handle temperature swings better than their delicate cousins. Cold-hardy types like Brussels Sprouts 'Long Island Improved' actually perform beautifully through your mild winters, developing the sweet flavor that comes from cool weather without the risk of freeze damage that northern gardeners face.
Zone 10 Brassicas for Hawaii★ Most of HI
79 varieties · Last frost January 31 · 320-day season
Zone 11 Brassicas for Hawaii
79 varieties · Year-round growing
Zone 12 Brassicas for Hawaii
79 varieties · Year-round growing
Zone 13 Brassicas for Hawaii
79 varieties · Year-round growing
Zone 10 Growing Tips for Hawaii
In Zone 10, think backwards from traditional planting schedules – your main brassica season runs from September through March. Start seeds indoors in late August through September for fall transplanting, and again in December through January for spring harvests. Since your last average frost is January 31st, you can safely transplant seedlings outdoors by mid-January without protection, though having row covers handy for the occasional cold snap is wise. Your extended growing season means you can succession plant every 2-3 weeks from September through February for continuous harvests.
Heat management is critical for Zone 10 brassica success. Choose planting sites that receive morning sun but afternoon shade, especially during the warmer months. Mulch heavily to keep soil cool and maintain consistent moisture – brassicas stressed by heat and drought bolt immediately. Consider raised beds with excellent drainage, as your region's heavy rains can create soggy conditions that lead to root rot. During the hottest periods (typically May through August), focus on heat-tolerant varieties like collards and Swiss chard, or take a break from brassicas entirely and resume planting in early fall.