Overview
Brassica oleracea 'Northern Lights' is a upright, bushy, columnar annual biennial in the genus Brassica, part of the Brassicaceae family, with evergreen, glaucous leaves foliage. Brassica oleracea 'Northern Lights' 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 'Northern Lights' is a cultivar within the Brassica genus, which includes annual and biennial plants known for their upright, bushy, and columnar growth habits. This cultivar features evergreen, glaucous leaves and thrives in full sun with a preference for south- or west-facing, sheltered positions. It grows best in fertile, firm, well-drained alkaline or neutral soils such as loam, sand, or chalk, maintaining moisture without waterlogging. Suitable for vegetable gardens and ornamental plantings, 'Northern Lights' is hardy to UK zone H5 and is of interest from spring through to autumn.
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 'Northern Lights' 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 'Northern Lights'
- 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 'Northern Lights'?
Brassica oleracea 'Northern Lights' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Brassica oleracea 'Northern Lights' need?
Brassica oleracea 'Northern Lights' 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 'Northern Lights' hardy in the UK?
Brassica oleracea 'Northern Lights' 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 'Northern Lights'?
Seed.
More in the Brassica genus
- Brassica juncea 'Ruby Streaks'Chinese mustard 'Ruby Streaks'
- Brassica macrocarpa
- Brassica napus 'Aardvark'PBR
- Brassica napus 'Acacia'PBR
- Brassica napus 'Agra'
- Brassica napus 'Ajjax'PBRoilseed rape 'Ajjax'
- Brassica napus 'B08tc443'
- Brassica napus 'Cs 08'