Brassica oleracea (Botrytis Group) 'Andes' (cauliflower 'Andes') — Upright, Bushy, Columnar

Overview

Brassica oleracea (Botrytis Group) 'Andes' is a upright, bushy, columnar annual biennial in the genus Brassica, part of the Brassicaceae family, with evergreen, glaucous leaves foliage. Brassica oleracea (Botrytis Group) 'Andes' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and alkaline and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include vegetable gardens and ornamental plantings.

About

Brassica oleracea (Botrytis Group) 'Andes' is a cauliflower cultivar with an upright, well-branched, columnar habit and glaucous leaves. It grows as an Annual Biennial and prefers full sun on soils that are moist but well-drained. Flowering occurs May to September, when it produces the plant's floral structures.

About the genus

Brassica is a genus of plants in the cabbage and mustard family (Brassicaceae). The members of the genus are informally known as cruciferous vegetables, cabbages, mustard plants, or simply brassicas. Crops from this genus are sometimes called cole crops—derived from the Latin caulis, denoting the stem or stalk of a plant.

Wikipedia contributors, "Brassica", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Brassica

In the garden

Brassica oleracea (Botrytis Group) 'Andes' is a cauliflower cultivar grown for its compact, columnar form and glaucous foliage. It is treated as an Annual Biennial in cultivation and is suited to vegetable plots and ornamental plantings where an upright habit is useful. Locate 'Andes' in full sun on a south- or west-facing, sheltered site. It favours loam, sandy or chalk soils at neutral to alkaline pH that retain moisture without waterlogging; aim for a consistently moist but well-drained root environment. The plant is rated H5, which in UK terms means it is hardy across most of the country and will tolerate typical winter conditions in outdoor beds when given the recommended siting. Keep rows or beds well spaced to accommodate its upright, well-branched form so neighbouring plants do not shade it out. Flowering takes place May to September, so set it among other seasonal vegetables or at the back of an ornamental vegetable border to make use of its columnar profile. Because it is recommended for both vegetable gardens and ornamental plantings, 'Andes' works where a compact, vertical brassica is required rather than a spreading variety.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Brassica

Sunlight: Full sun
Soil type: Loam, Sand, Chalk
Soil pH: Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture: Moist but well-drained
Aspect: South-facing, West-facing
Exposure: Sheltered
UK hardiness: H5

Plant details

Brassica oleracea (Botrytis Group) 'Andes' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Annual Biennial
Habit: Upright, Bushy, Columnar
Foliage: Evergreen, Glaucous leaves
Suggested uses: Vegetable gardens, Ornamental plantings

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Brassica oleracea (Botrytis Group) 'Andes'

Propagation: Seed
Pest resistance: Flea beetle, Cabbage root fly, Cabbage white butterfly, Aphids, Snails, Pigeons
Disease resistance: Club root, Downy mildew, White rust, Black leaf spot, Powdery mildew, Damping off, White mold, Root knot nematodes

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Brassica oleracea (Botrytis Group) 'Andes'?

Brassica oleracea (Botrytis Group) 'Andes' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Brassica oleracea (Botrytis Group) 'Andes' need?

Brassica oleracea (Botrytis Group) 'Andes' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including loam, sand and chalk. It prefers alkaline and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.

Is Brassica oleracea (Botrytis Group) 'Andes' hardy in the UK?

Brassica oleracea (Botrytis Group) 'Andes' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.

How do I propagate Brassica oleracea (Botrytis Group) 'Andes'?

Seed.

More in the Brassica genus

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