Brassicas
37days to harvest
7-10 daysdays to germinate
Z6–9USDA zones
Easydifficulty
F1 hybrid

Sowing

Start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost, or direct sow 2-3 weeks before last spring frost for early crop; succession plant every 2-3 weeks for continuous harvest

Cultivation

Sun
Full sun to partial shade (4-6+ hours)
Water
Regular, consistent moisture; 1-1.5 inches per week
Soil
Well-draining loam, slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0-7.5)
Spacing
18-24 inches
Height
10-24 inches

Appearance & flavour

Colour
Green
Shape
Compact, uniform heads
Flavour
Mild, sweet, tender flavor with good eating quality and minimal bitterness when harvested early.

In the kitchen

Fresh eating, steaming, roasting, stir-fries, salads, processing

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests
Cabbage worms, cabbage loopers, flea beetles, aphids
Diseases
Clubroot, black rot, powdery mildew

Planting calendar by USDA zone

ZoneStart indoorsTransplantDirect sowHarvest
1April – MayJune – JulyJune – JulyJuly – September
2April – MayJune – JulyMay – JulyJune – September
3March – AprilMay – JuneMay – JuneJune – October
4March – AprilMay – JuneApril – JuneJune – October
5February – MarchApril – MayApril – MayMay – November
6February – MarchApril – MayApril – MayMay – November
7February – MarchApril – MayMarch – MayApril – November
8January – FebruaryMarch – AprilMarch – AprilApril – December
9JanuaryFebruary – MarchFebruary – MarchMarch – December
10JanuaryFebruary – MarchJanuary – MarchFebruary – December
11JanuaryJanuary – FebruaryJanuary – FebruaryJanuary – December
12JanuaryJanuary – FebruaryJanuary – FebruaryJanuary – December
13JanuaryJanuary – FebruaryJanuary – FebruaryJanuary – December

Companion planting

8 beneficial pairings indexed for this variety, 3 to avoid.

NasturtiumActs as trap crop for aphids and flea beetles, draws pests away from brassicas
MarigoldRepels cabbage worms, aphids, and other brassica pests with strong scent
DillAttracts beneficial wasps that parasitize cabbage worms and aphids
OnionsStrong sulfur compounds repel cabbage root maggots and aphids
LettuceGrows well in shade of brassicas, maximizes garden space efficiency
SpinachCompatible root systems and similar growing requirements
MintDeters flea beetles and ants that can damage brassica seedlings
ChamomileImproves soil health and may enhance flavor of brassicas

Avoid

TomatoesCompete for nutrients and may stunt brassica growth through root competition
StrawberriesInhibit brassica growth and both plants suffer from shared soil pathogens
MustardSame family plants compete for nutrients and attract identical pests

Nutrition (per 100 g)

Calories (per 100 g)
31
Protein (g)
2.57
Fat (g)
0.34
Carbohydrate (g)
6.27
Fibre (g)
2.4
Vitamin A (µg)
8
Vitamin C (mg)
91.3
Vitamin E (mg)
0.15
Vitamin K (µg)
102
Vitamin B6 (mg)
0.191
Folate (µg)
65
Calcium (mg)
46
Iron (mg)
0.69
Magnesium (mg)
21
Phosphorus (mg)
67
Potassium (mg)
303
Zinc (mg)
0.42
Selenium (µg)
1.6

Where to buy seed and equipment

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Growing it? There is a full cultivation guide at the brassicas growing guide.

Cultivar facts compiled from public horticultural references including USDA GRIN and NC State Extension. Descriptions are original to this catalogue.

DarkGrow forum

Grown Quickstar?

Post a crop report — day counts, reservoir readings, what worked. Variety-specific logs are the most useful thing on the forum.

Similar varieties

Other brassicas with a comparable time to harvest, so a season that suits Quickstar suits these too.

Browse all 79 brassicas