Brassicas
103days to harvest
7-10 daysdays to germinate
Z6–9USDA zones
Easydifficulty
F1 hybrid

Sowing

Start indoors 4-6 weeks before transplanting, or direct sow in mid-summer for fall harvest

Cultivation

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

Appearance & flavour

Colour
Green
Shape
Round, dense heads
Flavour
Mild, sweet Brussels sprout flavor with good tenderness and minimal bitterness when properly grown and harvested.

In the kitchen

Roasting, steaming, sautéing, braising, fresh salads, side dishes

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests
Cabbage moth, cabbage looper, flea beetle, aphid
Diseases
Black rot, clubroot, powdery mildew
Resistance
Black Rot (Intermediate); Fusarium Yellows (High)

Planting calendar by USDA zone

ZoneStart indoorsTransplantDirect sowHarvest
1April – MayJune – JulyJune – JulySeptember
2April – MayJune – JulyMay – JulyAugust – September
3March – AprilMay – JuneMay – JuneAugust – October
4March – AprilMay – JuneApril – JuneAugust – October
5February – MarchApril – MayApril – MayJuly – November
6February – MarchApril – MayApril – MayJuly – November
7February – MarchApril – MayMarch – MayJune – November
8January – FebruaryMarch – AprilMarch – AprilJune – December
9JanuaryFebruary – MarchFebruary – MarchMay – December
10JanuaryFebruary – MarchJanuary – MarchApril – December
11JanuaryJanuary – FebruaryJanuary – FebruaryMarch – December
12JanuaryJanuary – FebruaryJanuary – FebruaryMarch – December
13JanuaryJanuary – FebruaryJanuary – FebruaryMarch – December

Companion planting

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

DillAttracts beneficial insects like parasitic wasps that control cabbage worms
OnionsStrong scent deters cabbage moths, aphids, and flea beetles
NasturtiumsActs as trap crop for aphids and flea beetles, draws pests away from brassicas
MarigoldsRepels cabbage moths and other harmful insects with strong fragrance
CarrotsRoot depth complements shallow brassica roots, doesn't compete for nutrients
LettuceGrows well in partial shade of brassicas, efficient use of garden space
ChamomileImproves soil health and may enhance flavor of nearby brassicas
GarlicNatural fungicide properties help prevent clubroot and other soil diseases

Avoid

TomatoesBoth are heavy feeders competing for same nutrients, tomatoes may stunt brassica growth
StrawberriesBrassicas can inhibit strawberry growth and fruit production
Pole beansCan overshadow brassicas and compete for nitrogen in soil

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

Some links are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

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 Silvia?

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 Silvia suits these too.

Browse all 79 brassicas