Plant families group plants that have similar flowers, reproductive structures, growth characteristics, nutrient needs, and often share the same pests (pathogens, herbivores) problems. When we plant crops from different plant families together or rotate crops of different plant families we can interrupt the crop's pest life cycles, particularly insect pests and pathogens that reduce yield due to pests infestation. Increasing plant family diversity can also provide other agro-biodiversity benefits including, diverse seasonal growth and adaptation to weather stresses such as frosts, and drought; different soil nutrient needs, as well as producing diverse foods that provide for human nutritional needs.
Learning to identify plant families will help you identify similarities between plants, understand their growth habits and growing requirements, and even identify seedlings. Here are the plant families that can all be part of the kitchen garden.
Note: Plant family names change as botanists divide the groups more and more. For each family, we have listed commonalities among its members so you can begin to see how this knowledge will benefit you as a gardener!
Amaryllidaceae
Also known as Umbeliferae, these plant members have umbrella-shaped flower clusters or umbels, where the stems branch out from one central point — like an umbrella.
Plants that belong to this family are carrots, parsnip, celery, parsley, fennel, cilantro, cumin and dill.
Time of Year and Temperature:
These are cool season crops, so grow in the spring and fall in most climates. Carrots can withstand a light frost and often become sweeter with the cooler weather. Members of this family can bolt, or go to seed, with hot temperatures. They have beautiful flowers, so I recommend letting them bloom.
Planting:
Most prefer to be direct sown , especially the root crops like carrots and parsnips.
Pests and Diseases:
Aphids are the main pest for these plants. Since we prefer natural, organic ways to deal with these pests, we recommend spraying them off with the jet of a water from a hose, spray the plants liberally with soapy water. Ladybugs are it's natural predator. You can attract ladybugs by growing flowering plants like marigolds, calendula, alyssum and echinacea. Flowering herbs such as dill, fennel, parsley, thyme and mint are also a magnet for this predator. Grow these plants next to your vegetables so that beneficial bugs come to feed - and bring their appetite for aphids with them!
Not all caterpillars to be pests, but parsley, dill and fennel are host plants to Swallowtail butterflies. They will devour all of your flowers! So you can decide what you think when the time comes.
Harvest:
Most of these plants have leaves that can be eaten when they are young. Just be sure to leave enough leaves for photosynthesis! Carrot and parsnip tops can be seen at the soil level. Check the size to see if they are ready to harvest.
Flowers and Seeds:
The flowers of the Amaryllidaceae family are typically showy and come in a variety of forms and colors. They often have six petals and six stamens, and are usually arranged in clusters known as inflorescences. The flowers exhibit radial symmetry and are known for their striking appearance, making them popular in horticulture.
Harvest seeds from the primary umbel (the first to bloom and the largest) after they have dried on the plant. Also, remember that cilantro seeds are coriander, so you can harvest these to use in your cooking!
Amaranthaceae
Also known as the amaranth or chenopodiaceae family, plants in this group are recognized by their often brightly colored flowers and their fruits, which are typically small, dry capsules.
Plants that belong to this family include amaranth, quinoa, spinach, beet, and chard among others.
Time of Year and Temperature:
Many members of the Amaranthaceae family are warm-season crops, thriving in the heat of summer. These plants typically require a long growing season and can tolerate dry conditions.
Planting:
Seeds are often direct sown after the last expected frost. These plants prefer full sun and well-drained soil.
Pests and Diseases:
Aphids and leaf miners can be problematic for these plants. Good garden hygiene and organic methods of pest control can help keep these issues in check.
Harvest:
Harvest times vary greatly depending on the specific crop. For example, spinach can be harvested continuously throughout its growth, while amaranth and quinoa seeds are usually harvested in late summer or fall.
Flowers and Seeds:
The flowers of the Amaranthaceae family are typically small and inconspicuous, often densely packed into spikes or clusters. They can range in color from the bright reds of some amaranth species to the greenish hues of spinach and beet flowers. Despite their small size, the flowers can be quite attractive en masse, particularly in the case of ornamental amaranths.
The Amaranthaceae family is important both for its edible members, like spinach, beet, and quinoa, and for ornamental plants like amaranth. Their ability to thrive in hot, dry conditions makes them a good choice for summer gardens.
Seeds can be harvested from the mature plants. They're usually tiny and enclosed in the dry capsules that form after flowering.
Apiaceae
Also known as Umbeliferae, these plant members have umbrella-shaped flower clusters or umbels, where the stems branch out from one central point — like an umbrella.
Plants that belong to this family are carrots, parsnip, celery, parsley, fennel, cilantro, cumin and dill.
Time of Year and Temperature:
These are cool season crops, so grow in the spring and fall in most climates. Carrots can withstand a light frost and often become sweeter with the cooler weather. Members of this family can bolt, or go to seed, with hot temperatures. They have beautiful flowers, so I recommend letting them bloom.
Planting:
Most prefer to be direct sown , especially the root crops like carrots and parsnips.
Pests and Diseases:
Aphids are the main pest for these plants. Since we prefer natural, organic ways to deal with these pests, we recommend spraying them off with the jet of a water from a hose, spray the plants liberally with soapy water. Ladybugs are it's natural predator. You can attract ladybugs by growing flowering plants like marigolds, calendula, alyssum and echinacea. Flowering herbs such as dill, fennel, parsley, thyme and mint are also a magnet for this predator. Grow these plants next to your vegetables so that beneficial bugs come to feed - and bring their appetite for aphids with them!
Not all caterpillars to be pests, but parsley, dill and fennel are host plants to Swallowtail butterflies. They will devour all of your flowers! So you can decide what you think when the time comes.
Harvest:
Most of these plants have leaves that can be eaten when they are young. Just be sure to leave enough leaves for photosynthesis! Carrot and parsnip tops can be seen at the soil level. Check the size to see if they are ready to harvest.
Flowers and Seeds:
The flowers of the Apiaceae family are typically small and white or yellow, arranged in a distinctive umbrella-like cluster known as an umbel. These flowers exhibit radial symmetry and are often densely packed, creating a highly attractive structure for a range of pollinators, particularly insects.
Harvest seeds from the primary umbel (the first to bloom and the largest) after they have dried on the plant. Also, remember that cilantro seeds are coriander, so you can harvest these to use in your cooking!
Asteraceae
Previously called Compositae, this is one of the largest plant families. This family is more commonly known as the daisy or sunflower family.
This family includes all lettuce varieties, of which there are many. And it also includes sunflowers, daisies, endive, artichokes, calendula, zinnia, marigold, dahlias, salsify and dandelions.
Time of the Year/Temperature:
Being one of the largest plant families it contains
All prefer to be grown in a sunny location, though lettuce may need some shade from direct sun.
Planting:
Most can be either direct sown or started as seedlings. The greens are best when direct sown since they don't like to be moved or transplanted.
Pests and Diseases:
Aphids tend to affect these plants the most. See the Chenopodiaceae Family or the Apiaceae Family for tips to deal with aphids. Sunflowers might need protection from birds unless you plan on sharing.
Harvest:
Greens in this family are cut and come again, meaning they can be harvested young and will continuously grow back throughout the season. The more you harvest the flowers on calendula, the more it will bloom. The flowers are ready when they are sticky.
Flowers and Seeds
The Asteraceae family is recognized for its unique flower structure. Each 'flower' is actually a composite of many smaller flowers, or florets, grouped together. The central disc florets, which are typically yellow, are surrounded by a ring of ray florets that have extended petals, often in contrasting colors like white, pink, or blue. This composite structure, resembling a single larger flower, is particularly effective at attracting pollinators.
Following pollination, each individual floret within the flower head produces a single seed. These seeds, known as achenes, are often small and lightweight. Many Asteraceae, such as dandelions and thistles, have specialized structures attached to their seeds known as pappus, which act like parachutes or sails, catching the wind and assisting with long-distance dispersal. This effective seed dispersal mechanism contributes to the success and wide distribution of the Asteraceae family.
Brassicaceae
Previously called the Cruciferae or Brassica plant families.
This family includes broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, collard greens, kohlrabi, rutabagas, mustard greens, nasturtium, radish, turnips, arugula and kale.
Time of the Year/Temperature:
These are cool weather crops that need full sun. In most climates, these can be grown in the spring and fall, and many have improved flavor after a frost.
Planting:
Most of these will be more successful if started inside around 8 weeks prior to putting them in the garden. Exceptions that prefer to be direct sown include kale, mustard, radish and rutabaga. NOTE: keep away from Nightshades.
Pests and Diseases:
This grouping has many pests. It would be wise to use a row cover such as tulle upon first planting, and then thicker row cover as the temperature drops (available at a local garden store or online store. Just make sure that the thickness is right for your climate).
Check your plants regularly. If you are having a hard time identifying a pest, bag it and take it sealed to your local garden store to get help identifying it. You can also join a local Facebook group and post a picture to ask if people in your area can help you identify it.
Harvest:
You can eat some of these when the leaves are young: kale, collards, mustard, brussel sprouts. Broccoli will have one main broccoli head and then several side shoots will sprout after the main head is developed. You can eat the leaves and flowers of the broccoli plant as well. The flowers of most Brassica are edible.
Flowers and Seeds:
Commonly referred to as "crucifers" or cruciferous" because their flowers are usually white, yellow or lavender with four long and two short stamen and a two-chambered ovary positioned above the other flower parts. Seeds are produced in dry podlike fruits with partitions between the halves.
Cucurbitaceae
Similar to how the name looks and sounds, the Cucurbitaceae family, or Cucurbits, have cucumbers in their family.
Since you know cucumbers are in this family, you just need to remember that cucumbers are in the same family as gourds, melons, pumpkins and squash. These all have flowers that are either white or yellow and most have separate male and female flowers that exist on the same plant.
Time of the Year/Temperature:
These are warm-season crops that require full sun.
Interestingly, winter squash grows in the summer in most climates, but it gets its name because the squash can be stored through winter, not because that’s when it grows.
Planting:
All of these can be successfully transplanted, but you should take into consideration that they can get root bound. Monitor them so you can transplant them before this happens. Most cucurbits are large plants, many of which are vining and can benefit from a trellis or other support system.
Pests and Diseases:
This family has many pests, including vine borers, squash bugs and cucumber beetles. It is best to observe these plants daily and stay ahead of any potential infestations. If an infestation does occur, the most effective method is to remove the bugs manually and place them in a sealed Ziplock bag before disposing of them in the trash.
They can also get powdery mildew. Be sure to give the plants plenty of air circulation and check the leaves often as a preventive measure. You will see the white mildew on the top sides of leaves. Prune the leaves with mildew during the hottest part of the day, so the plant can heal itself faster. Then, spray the plant with a mixture of about 40% milk to 60% water. Here is an excellent article giving you more information on this disease.
Harvest:
For the best flavor, harvest cucumber, zucchini and summer squash young.
Winter squash and melons need to fully ripen on the vine. Harvesting these can be a bit tricky. Be sure the skin is hard enough that it doesn’t leave a mark when you push your fingernail into it. One tip is to monitor the tendril closest to the fruit. When the tendril is about three quarters brown and rotted, the fruit is ready!
Flowers and Seeds:
As mentioned above, Most species have unisexual flowers that have five white or yellow petals. The fruit in most species is a fleshy many-seeded berry with a tough rind, which can grow to a considerable size. The seeds are flattened and some, such as those of the Javan cucumber have beautiful wings to aid in dispersal.
Lamiaceae
Commonly known as the mint family, and formerly called Labiatae, Lamiaceae is a huge collection of garden plants.
Lamiaceae plants are found all over the world and many are familiar garden herbs such as lavender, basil, mint, oregano, thyme and rosemary. A shared characteristic among many lamiaceae family plants is aromatic foliage. Which is why many plants in the mint family are grown for their culinary, fragrance and medicinal properties because of the oils produced when the leaves and flowers are crushed or distilled.
Time of the Year/Temperature:
Most members of this family are either perennial or annual herbs so can be caracterized as warm-season plants (some can grow in mild cool temperatures).
Planting:
A few produce seeds so can be grown from seeds, but it's much easier to grow this familiy of plants from cuttings, seedlings and smaller plants. Different plants grow well together, and among other vegetables in your garden.
Pests and Diseases:
Some of these species and varieties are susceptible to fungus and nematodes. For example, the bungleweeds are susceptible to fungal rot in humid conditions and are vulnerable to infection by root-knot nematodes.
While many have medicinal properties, you still have to be careful which which species and varieties you consume. For example, Pennyroyal can induce potentially lethal reactions such as vomiting, hemorrhages, and organ failure in people who ingest it.
Harvest:
Most of these plants are harvested for their leaves and flowers - which are then used for culinary purposes, or the oils extracted for fragrances or medicinal ourposes.
Flowers and Seeds:
The flowers are usually arranged in clusters and feature two-lipped, open-mouthed, tubular corollas (united petals) with five-lobed bell-like calyxes (united sepals). The fruit is commonly a dry nutlet.
Leguminosae
Also known as Fabiaceae, these plant members are recognized by their fruit, typically called a legume or a pod. The flowers often have a distinctive bilateral symmetry and are usually fragrant, attracting a variety of pollinators.
Plants that belong to this family are peas, beans, lentils, peanuts, and alfalfa, as well as flowering plants like lupins and wisteria.
Time of the Year/Temperature:
These are mostly warm-season crops, growing best in late spring through early fall. Certain members, like peas, prefer cooler conditions and are often planted in early spring or late fall. Legumes are typically resilient, with some species able to tolerate light frost.
Planting:
Most legumes prefer to be direct sown, especially those with larger seeds like beans and peas. They are also a popular choice for succession planting, allowing for continuous harvest throughout the growing season.
Pests and Diseases:
Aphids and leafhoppers can be problematic for these plants. As with other plant families, natural and organic methods are preferred for pest control. Introducing beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and lacewings, can help manage these pests. Marigolds, dill, and fennel can attract these beneficial bugs. Certain legume crops can also be susceptible to fungal diseases; crop rotation and good air circulation can help prevent these issues.
Some caterpillars, like the larvae of the common butterfly, are known to feed on legume leaves. While they can cause some damage, they also contribute to the ecosystem by serving as a food source for birds and other insects.
Harvest:
Many of these plants produce edible pods, seeds, or leaves. Harvest times vary depending on the specific crop and desired maturity. For example, peas can be harvested when the pods are swollen and green, while beans are often left to mature and dry on the plant before harvesting.
Flowers and Seeds:
The flowers of the Leguminosae family exhibit bilateral symmetry, typically featuring five petals: an upper banner, two lateral wings, and two lower petals forming a keel. These flowers can occur singly or in clusters and present a wide array of colors, from the bright yellows of peas and beans to the purples and blues of lupins and wisteria. Their unique structure is adapted for pollination, often attracting bees and other insects
Legume seeds can be harvested after they have fully matured and dried on the plant. It's important to remember that the seeds of many legumes are the edible part of the plant, so plan your harvest accordingly.
An interesting note about the Leguminosae family is their ability to fix nitrogen in the soil. This makes them an excellent choice for crop rotation, as they can help replenish soil fertility for subsequent plantings.
Liliaceae
More commonly known as the lily family, members of this group are recognized by their beautiful, often fragrant flowers, typically with six symmetrical petals. These plants are monocots, meaning they have one embryonic leaf (cotyledon) in their seeds.
Plants that belong to this family include lilies, tulips, onions, garlic, asparagus, and aloe, among others.
Time of the Year/Temperature:
Many plants in this family are spring bloomers, though some, like certain lily species, bloom in the summer. The edible members of this family, such as onions and garlic, are usually cool-season crops, planted in the fall or early spring.
Planting:
Most Liliaceae plants prefer to be planted as bulbs or seeds. As with the other families, direct sowing is often preferred, particularly for onions and garlic. Some lily species and tulips are commonly planted as bulbs in the fall for spring blooming.
Pests and Diseases:
Aphids, slugs, and snails can be problematic for these plants. Natural and organic methods, like introducing natural predators or using barriers, are preferred for pest control. Fungal diseases, such as botrytis, can also affect these plants, particularly in damp conditions.
Certain caterpillars, like the lily leaf beetle larvae, are known to feed on Liliaceae leaves, but they are generally not a widespread problem.
Harvest:
Many of these plants have parts that can be eaten or used in other ways. For example, onions and garlic are harvested when the tops begin to yellow and fall over. Asparagus can be harvested in the spring when the shoots are about 8 inches tall.
Flowers and Seeds:
The Liliaceae family is characterized by their showy, often fragrant flowers, which typically have three petals and three sepals, often similar in appearance and collectively referred to as six tepals. These flowers display radial symmetry and may come in a variety of colors, ranging from whites and yellows to vibrant reds and purples. Liliaceae flowers may be solitary or arranged in clusters, depending on the species. Their attractiveness often makes them a favorite among pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Seeds can be harvested once the pods or capsules have dried on the plant. For the flowering plants, this is usually late in the summer or early fall. Remember that garlic and onions are usually propagated from bulbs rather than seeds.
A key feature of the Liliaceae family is the broad range of uses for its members, from the culinary uses of onions, garlic, and asparagus, to the medicinal uses of aloe, to the aesthetic uses of lilies and tulips in ornamental gardening.
Rosaceae
Known as the rose family, plants in this group are recognized by their flowers, which typically have five petals, and their often sweet, edible fruits.
Plants that belong to this family include roses, strawberries, apples, pears, cherries, raspberries, and almonds, among others.
Time of the Year/Temperature:
Members of the Rosaceae family grow best in moderate to cool climates. Many flower in the spring, with fruit maturing in the summer or fall depending on the species. Some members, like roses, can bloom repeatedly throughout the growing season.
Planting:
Rosaceae family members can be planted in a variety of ways depending on the specific plant. Fruit trees are often planted as young trees, while strawberries and raspberries are often planted from runners or young plants. Roses can be planted from bare root plants or containers.
Pests and Diseases:
Aphids, Japanese beetles, and spider mites can be common pests for these plants. Fungal diseases, such as black spot and powdery mildew, can also affect members of this family. Good air circulation, proper watering, and organic methods of pest control can help keep these issues in check.
Certain caterpillars, like the larvae of the rose sawfly, are known to feed on Rosaceae leaves, but they can generally be managed with attentive care.
Harvest:
Many of these plants produce edible fruits or nuts. Harvest times vary depending on the specific crop and desired maturity. For example, strawberries are usually harvested in late spring or early summer, while apples and pears are harvested in late summer or fall.
Flowers and Seeds:
The flowers of the Rosaceae family are usually showy and contain five petals, although in some species they can be highly modified, with numerous petals in cultivars of roses, for example. They commonly have a radiating symmetry and can range in color from white and pink to red and yellow. Depending on the species, they can occur singly or in clusters, attracting a variety of pollinators from bees to birds.
Seeds can be harvested from the mature fruit of these plants. However, many of these plants are commonly propagated through other methods such as grafting, budding, or division.
The Rosaceae family is notable for its economic importance. Many of the fruits we commonly consume come from this family, as do some of the most popular and beautiful ornamental plants, such as roses.
Solanaceae
Also known as the nightshade family, plants in this group are recognized by their often pungent leaves and their diverse fruits, which can range from small berries to large, fleshy vegetables.
Plants that belong to this family include tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, eggplants, and petunias, among others.
Time of the Year/Temperature:
Many members of the Solanaceae family are warm-season crops, thriving in the heat of summer. These plants typically require a long growing season and do not tolerate frost.
Planting:
Seeds are often started indoors several weeks before the last expected frost to give them a head start. Transplants are then planted out in the garden after all danger of frost has passed.
Pests and Diseases:
Aphids, whiteflies, and various types of beetles can be problematic for these plants. Additionally, the Solanaceae family is known for its susceptibility to diseases like late blight and various wilts. Crop rotation and good garden hygiene can help prevent these issues.
Certain caterpillars, like the tomato hornworm, are known to feed on Solanaceae leaves, but they can generally be managed with attentive care.
Harvest:
Harvest times vary greatly depending on the specific crop. For example, tomatoes are typically harvested as they ripen throughout the summer, while potatoes are usually dug up in the fall once the foliage has died back.
Flowers and Seeds:
The Solanaceae family is known for its typically five-petaled flowers that often exhibit radial symmetry. The flowers can range in color, from the bright yellows of potato blossoms to the deep purples of some petunias. Depending on the species, the flowers may appear singly or in clusters, and they are often followed by distinctive fruit, such as tomatoes, peppers, or eggplants. Their flowers are designed to attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies.
Seeds can be harvested from the mature fruit of these plants. However, with the exception of tomatoes, many of these plants are commonly propagated through other methods such as cuttings or tubers.
The Solanaceae family is of major economic importance, with several species being staple food crops around the world. However, it's worth noting that some members of this family are highly toxic, such as belladonna and certain types of nightshade. Always be sure of a plant's identity and safety before consuming.
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