Traditional, but not

ow is the time when fall veggies take center stage in Southern California as nurseries bust out the broccoli, cauliflower, lettuces and chard. But gardeners who want to break free from standard garden fare have an assortment of options. Yes, things such as green broccoli and butterhead

For gardeners who want to wade into something different yet still familiar, there are twists on the traditional fall vegetables they already enjoy, said Kelsey Swayze, manager at Cal Poly Pomona’s nursery and greenhouse.

SPECKLED LETTUCE >> Lettuces come in a variety of hues, shapes and flavor profiles, and this is one example. It offers a silky, rich, buttery taste but a unique look, according to Swayze. “It’s beautiful in the garden because it has a red speckle to it,” she said.

WASABI ARUGULA >> Arugula is a popular green for winter gardening, but this variety packs “a nice little kick that you wouldn’t get from your regular arugula,” tasting very similar to traditional Japanese wasabi, Swayze said.

ENGLISH LAVENDER AND ROMANESCO BROCCOLI >> Broccoli is known for being green, but some varieties put out heads in more striking colors. English Lavender has purple florets, while Romanesco (technically, a relative of broccoli) puts out chartreuse ones. Swayze said these colorful varieties may be a good way for gardeners to introduce their families to the vegetable if the standard green doesn’t appeal to them.

The wild world of brassicas

The genus Brassica comprises a huge assortment of fall and winter vegetables.

In addition to broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and Brussels sprouts, there are many that gardeners may be unfamiliar with, according to Jon Whitinger, general manager for Texas-based Victory Seed Co. Fall vegetables are the company’s second most popular

lettuce are basically rock stars of the fall season, but specialty nurseries and seed companies also have an assortment of plants you can think of as indie darlings — not as well known, but they bring something different to the table, whether it’s an unusual pop of color or a different flavor profile.

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KOHLRABI >> This fall vegetable, which essentially means “cabbage turnip” in German, grows an above-ground bulb and edible leaves. The leaves can be cut off throughout the season and used fresh in salads until the bulb reaches the right size for eating, Whitinger said.

“Once it reaches the appropriate size, probably 3-4 inches — you don’t want it too big — then you’ll just cut off the whole plant,” Whitinger said, adding that it can be peeled and eaten raw with some salt or ranch dressing, or cut up and tossed in a salad like a cucumber.

MUSTARD >> This isn’t just the plant behind the popular yellow condiment, or the weed that grows wild all over Southern California. Some varieties of cultivated mustard are grown for their leaves and make a great substitute for spinach or typical salad greens, according to Whitinger. He noted that mustard leaves have a tangy, almost spicy taste.

RUTABAGA >> This turnip-like vegetable produces a big root with a sweet and rich flavor. People often boil and mash it up like a potato, Whitinger said.

BOK CHOY >> This vegetable, also known as Chinese cabbage, looks like a big white celery stalk. Its tightly packed white stems give way to round leaves, and both parts are edible, according to Whitinger. The stalk can be cooked and the leaves eaten in a salad.

Other vegetables

SNOW PEAS >> Peas tend to grow well in the cooler weather of spring and fall. Snow peas, also known as sugar snap peas, are different from other varieties in that they’re eaten pod and all, and it’s better to grow them during bouts of cooler weather because the pods are more tender, Whitinger said.

LEEKS >> This relative of onions and garlic forms a tightly packed group of white leaves at the bottom of a stem, and these can be chopped up and used like onions, including in soups and stews and even as a burger topping, according to Whitinger.

Trees and shrubs

Fall is typically planting time for bare root fruit trees and shrubs because it’s easier to get them established in the cooler and rainier weather, and the same is true of some tropical plants, according to Steve Spangler, owner of Exotica Rare Fruit Nursery in Vista.

Spangler recommends planting certain tropical trees during this time but also advises gardeners to monitor local conditions and cover plants with blankets when cold is forecast.

SURINAM CHERRY >> This tropical tree hails from South America. Its fruit has a strong flavor, according to Spangler. JABUTICABA >> This fruit of Brazilian origin has a flavor somewhere between a grape and a litchi. The tree is known for the clusters of round, purple fruit that grow around its trunk and limbs.

Helpful fall tips

Experts recommend that gardeners keep some tips in mind as they plant this fall.

Swayze says gardeners should research the light considerations their plants need, such as full sun or partial shade.

She also recommends drip irrigation tape and mulch. Leafy greens and brassicas in particular benefit from drip irrigation. Mulch, she said, helps stave off weeds, conserve water and boost soil health.

Whitinger notes that as gardeners try new varieties of seeds and plants, they shouldn’t get frustrated if they don’t have success. Look at gardening as a five-year plan instead of something you’re doing at the moment, he says. It’s a skill that improves with time.

“Looking forward and seeing how you can do better,” he said. “Don’t be discouraged.”