Mini Vegetables

Bejo Zaden in Holland and Elsoms Seeds in England have been conducting trials of direct seeding different crops at close spacings to establish which varieties are suitable for growing as  mini vegetables. There is renewed interest in this market segment as supermarkets respond to the consumer demand for smaller, more easily prepared meals.  

Growing of mini vegetable crops is still very much at an experimental stage so information contained in the chart below is based on very limited and inconclusive research. It is recommended that growers experiment with different growing methods to determine what best suits their growing regime and their market requirements

Crop

Variety

Density

Remarks

Cauliflower

Jerez F1

9" x 9" up to 12" x 12"

Using florets is another possibility, but full heads of mini cauliflowers look better and combine well in packs

Green cauliflower

Panther F1

9" x 9" up to 12" x 12"

Introduces colour and variation into a pack

Romanesco cauliflower

White Gold F1

9" x 9" up to 12" x 12"

Hybrid improves evenness. This vegetable can be very eye-catching in a combination pack

Broccoli

Fiesta F1

12" x 12"

Standard varieties  that produce an abundance of sideshoots can be experimented with at normal spacings

Sprouting Broccoli

Bordeaux F1

24" x 18"

This variety dramatically increases the possible harvest period of this crop. Grow at normal commercial spacings

Savoy cabbage

Ermosa F1

12" x 12"
40,000 – 50,000 per acre

Cabbage varieties with short core and tight internal structure are best suited

Red cabbage

Integro F1

12" x 12"
40,000 – 50,000 per acre

Round shape suits mini head. Avoid oval shaped varieties

Summer/Autumn round cabbage

Gonzales F1

12" x 12"
40,000 – 50,000 per acre

Reduction in fertiliser imputs is an important factor as well as varietal choice and correct spacing

Pointed cabbage

Duncan F1
Caraflex F1

10"  x 10" up to 12" x 12"

Duncan can be grown all year  round. If proper density is identified, using one variety makes planning continuity simpler

Leek

Striker F1
Jolant
Lancia

2" double rows at 10" apart.
15-18 plants per foot run

Can sow thickly in broad rows like bunching onions. Allow about 14 weeks from sowing

White turnip

Snowball
  MilanPurpleTop
ManchesterMarket

60" beds with 4 double rows 10" apart, sowing 16 seeds per double line per foot

Use Japanese F1 types for pure white roots or purple top Milan types for white/purple top roots. Can  be lifted about 7 weeks from sowing

Kohl Rabi

Korist

12" x 4"
130,000 per acre

Can be lifted about 9 weeks from sowing. Possible to be grown as close as 1" apart

Beetroot

Monaco
Wodan

400,000–600,000 per acre

Can be broadcast or sowed in double lines with approximately 16 seeds per foot. Allow about 12 weeks from sowing to lifting

Carrot

Mignon F1

2 – 6 million per acre

Density will determine size with many varieties. Allow sufficient water to prevent carrots from growing deeper looking for water

Parsnip

Arrow

500,000 per acre

Only wedge/bayonet types should be used. They produce good roots at close spacings