Cabbage Sunrise

Brassica

The brassica family of crops, which includes broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, Brussel sprouts, and kale (among other crops), requires a balanced nutrient plan to achieve vigorous vegetative growth, uniform head development, and high marketable yields. The different crop species in this family, also called cole crops, all have unique nutritional needs and timings. However, there are many similarities in their management.  For example, each cultivar in the brassica family is highly sulfur responsive. Sulfur is one of the components responsible for the characteristically strong, sometimes bitter taste experienced when eating these crops.  

Since most of the products in the Tessenderlo Kerley Crop Nutrition portfolio contain sulfur, our fertilizers are well suited to meet the unique nutritional demands of brassicas. Our product line, including Thio-Sul® (ammonium thiosulfate), KTS® (potassium thiosulfate), N-Sure® (liquid slow-release triazone-nitrogen), CaTs® (calcium thiosulfate), and other sulfur-based solutions, delivers efficient, crop-safe nutrition. Whether applied through fertigation, foliar sprays, or surface banding, these products help correct deficiencies, enhance nutrient uptake, and support long-term soil health. 

Explore our Blogs section for expert guidance, field trial data, and proven strategies to help in the crop production.  

  • N-Sure & Thio-Sul Logos

    Nitrogen (N)

    Nitrogen is a cornerstone nutrient in brassica production, driving leafy growth, head formation and overall crop vigor. In early stages, nitrogen promotes rapid canopy development and root establishment. While excessive nitrogen applications can lead to excessive vegetative growth in some varieties, brassicas tend to respond well to measured, season-long nitrogen applications. 

    Thio-Sul delivers ammonium-nitrogen and thiosulfate sulfur, two nutrients essential in brassica production. Because Thio-Sul is a liquid nitrogen and sulfur product, it can be easily blended with other liquid nitrogen fertilizers, such as UAN solutions, to create a blended product that can be dialed in to the ideal nitrogen-to-sulfur ratio. Thio-Sul improves nitrogen use efficiency and is especially useful in high-pH soils or fields with bicarbonate-rich irrigation water. Thio-Sul has been shown to improve the solubility and availability of other crop nutrients, including phosphorous and some micronutrients.

    N-Sure provides a slow-release nitrogen source in the form of urea-triazone, offering a steady supply of nitrogen while minimizing leaching and volatilization. N-Sure can be blended with other nitrogen sources, including UAN and urea solutions, and applied through fertigation, surface banding or side-dress applications. Foliar-applied N-Sure can provide a source of nitrogen when tank-mixed with other products. It is compatible with micronutrients and many crop protection products (always confirm compatibility before mixing). 

  • K-Row 23 and KTS Badges

    Potassium (K)

    Potassium plays a vital role in brassica crops by regulating water movement, enzyme activation and nutrient transport. It is also involved in reducing certain stresses, including drought, frost and some disease pressures. Potassium is typically taken up in higher quantities than any other nutrient in brassica plants, so a consistent and available source is important. 

    Potassium thiosulfate (KTS) is a highly efficient potassium source for brassicas. Delivered in liquid form, KTS is ideal for fertigation, enabling precise nutrient placement and rapid uptake. It also supplies thiosulfate sulfur, which helps solubilize micronutrients like iron and manganese. In areas of high-pH soils, thiosulfate is a source of acidity that can help in managing the pH. K-Row 23 offers flexibility for higher potassium rates, which is particularly useful if leaf tissue analysis shows low or deficient potassium levels. K-Row 23 also delivers sulfur in a form that readily converts to plant-available sulfate-sulfur. 

  • CaTs Badge Small 2

    Calcium (Ca)

    In brassica crops, calcium is essential for strong cell walls, resistance to internal disorders and diseases, stimulation of root growth and enhancement of overall plant health. It supports cell division and elongation, promoting healthy root and shoot development. Adequate calcium levels are linked to improved structural integrity, better shelf life and reduced susceptibility to disorders like tip burn and hollow stem. 

    Calcium thiosulfate (CaTs) delivers calcium in a soluble, plant-available form suitable for fertigation. The thiosulfate component enhances nutrient uptake and solubilizes micronutrients, especially in high pH soils. CaTs also helps mitigate sodium buildup in saline soils and can help improve water infiltration. It is compatible with many nitrogen fertilizers, making it easy to integrate into brassica nutrition programs to support both immediate calcium needs and long-term soil health.

  • Thio-Sul Badge Small

    Sulfur (S)

    Sulfur is a key secondary nutrient in brassica production, playing a central role in protein synthesis, chlorophyll formation and energy transfer. It enhances vegetative growth, disease resistance and nitrogen efficiency. Adequate sulfur levels help maintain dark green foliage and support robust head development. As mentioned before, brassicas tend to be very sulfur responsive, improving overall yield and quality. 

    Thiosulfate-based fertilizers including Thio-Sul, KTS, and CaTs—are highly effective sulfur sources for brassicas. These products deliver sulfur in the thiosulfate form, which is readily available and suitable for fertigation. They can be blended with other liquid fertilizer products to provide complete N-P-K-S blends, ideal for brassica production. Thiosulfates improve nutrient uptake by modifying soil chemistry and enhancing root absorption. They also buffer high soil pH and help mitigate the effects of bicarbonate-rich irrigation water, which is common in many brassica-growing regions.