When you drive past Oudtshoorn in the Klein Karoo, the climate is very rarely described as mild, but rather as very hot. Broccoli and cauliflower, like most other brassicas, are usually considered to be crops that do well in cold growing conditions since they are historically winter crops. Thanks to excellent breeding programs and genetic selections, seed companies could start selecting varieties that are better suited to warmer conditions. These new selections created opportunities for growers situated in areas like Oudtshoorn – and this is an opportunity that Johannes Schoeman from Schoemanshoek grabbed with both hands. For the past season, he has been producing brassicas under these harsh conditions, and he is doing an excellent job. On these photos, some of the Parthenon broccoli and Twister cauliflower can be seen. Well done on a beautiful crop Johannes.
