Best Brassicas to Grow in Massachusetts
Massachusetts spans USDA Zones 5–7, typically Zone 6. 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 Massachusetts
USDA
Zones 5–7
155–210 days season
Beginner
65
easy to grow
Heirloom
34
heritage varieties
Massachusetts in USDA Zones 5–7
Massachusetts spans Zones 5–7. Variety lists below are organized by zone — start with your zone for the most accurate recommendations.
Growing Brassicas in Massachusetts
Zone 6 gardeners hit the brassica jackpot with a generous 180-day growing season that perfectly accommodates these cool-weather champions. Your last frost around April 15th means you can get transplants in the ground by early May, while that mid-October first frost gives you plenty of time for both spring and fall harvests. The real beauty of Zone 6 is having enough shoulder season to grow heat-sensitive varieties like Brussels sprouts and late cabbages that need those long, cool falls to develop their best flavor.
When selecting brassica varieties for Zone 6, prioritize cultivars that can handle temperature swings and make the most of your extended season. Look for quick-maturing varieties like De Cicco Broccoli and Early White Vienna Kohlrabi for succession planting, alongside long-season varieties like Long Island Improved Brussels Sprouts that can utilize your full growing window. Heat-tolerant options like Red Russian Kale and Georgia Southern Collards will carry you through summer, while cold-hardy picks like Lacinato Kale and Purple Top Turnips can push your harvest well past first frost.
Zone 6 Brassicas for Massachusetts★ Most of MA
79 varieties · Last frost April 15 · 180-day season
Zone 5 Brassicas for Massachusetts
79 varieties · Last frost April 30 · 155-day season
Zone 7 Brassicas for Massachusetts
79 varieties · Last frost April 1 · 210-day season
Zone 6 Growing Tips for Massachusetts
Start your cool-season brassicas indoors 6-8 weeks before your last frost date, which means beginning seeds in late February for transplanting in early May. For fall crops, direct seed or transplant in mid to late July – this timing ensures crops like cabbage and Brussels sprouts mature during October's cool weather rather than summer heat. Your 180-day season allows for excellent succession planting; sow lettuce and arugula every two weeks from April through August for continuous harvests.
Zone 6's variable spring temperatures can stress young transplants, so harden them off gradually and use row covers during unexpected late cold snaps. Summer heat waves are your biggest challenge – Brussels sprouts and cauliflower planted too early will bolt or produce poor heads. Combat this by choosing heat-tolerant varieties for summer growing and saving temperature-sensitive crops for fall planting. Mulch heavily to keep roots cool and maintain consistent soil moisture, especially important for preventing cabbage from cracking during hot spells.