growing broccoli:how to grow broccoli

Stages of Broccoli Growth

Broccoli Brassica oleracea was first introduced to the US in the 1920s by Italian immigrants arriving in New York. The name broccoli means little shoots. It is a hardy plant tolerant of cold weather but not severe freezes.

Growing broccoli and When to plant

Planting broccoli may be grown from seeds sown directly in a prepared garden site or transplanted when seedlings show several leaves.

Plant broccoli at a depth of ½ to one inch in early summer. Transplant the seedlings in late summer or autumn. Broccoli plants set out in early fall often take longer to grow but produce large flower heads. Variety also affects size. Quick growing varieties will often produce smaller heads.

When growing broccoli,light and temperature determine the quality of broccoli seedlings. If the growing conditions are too hot or there is inadequate lighting, the plants will become lanky. When transplants for fall are started during intense heat, they could taste second-rate despite careful maintence. Broccoli grows best in regions with average temperatures between 50 and 70 degrees during the broccoli growing season.

* Broccoli seedlings or seed germination takes 5-7 days.

* Leave a space between rows of 30-36 inches.

* Spacing between plants should be 12-18 inches.

* For a plentiful bounty, three to five plants per person need to be planted.

* Large plants may need staking to protect against wind damage.

Broccoli is a vegetable which requires full sun for maximum growth. Broccoli is a happy bedfellow for potatoes, thyme, sage, mint, rosemary, and dill but does not partner well with strawberries or tomatoes.

broccoli for Soil

Prepare a well-drained bed using high-quality soil combined with compost. To grow big heads of broccoli, keep your plants moist and well fertilized. Feed young plants every two to three weeks using up to one pound of 6-6-6 per 100 feet of row.

* Mulch to keep maintain moist soil.

Watering broccoli

To grow broccoli water early in the day so developing heads do not remain wet overnight because this could lead to rotten produce. Avoid over watering.

harvesting broccoli

Broccoli matures rapidly. From seeds, it is 75-90 days to harvest. Transplants take 55-70 days to grow before being harvested. As the heads begin to form and harvest draws near, fertilize every three to four weeks.

At harvesting time, cut large flower heads from the tops of plants before green buds open into yellow blooms. Slice the thick stems at an angle using a sharp tool to prevent water from gathering in the center which causes rot.

Broccoli heads in bloom can be eaten but may be tough and have a strong flavor. Allow plants to continue growing and side shoots will develop small heads, extending the harvest for several months. Cut side shoots several times a week to encourage production.

Fertilize lightly every couple of weeks after the main heads are harvested to keep plants continually growing.

Storage broccoli

Fresh broccoli is delicious in stir fry, with vegetable dips, or garden salads. Freeze the

cut broccoli florets and store in the freezer for handy use throughout the year

Pest Control

Major pests of broccoli are caterpillars. The insects feed on foliage and hide in developing heads. For organic pest controls, use cayenne pepper shaken on the stems and leaves to deter bugs. Inspect plants daily and hand pick invading insects.

Broccoli Disease Prevention

In growing broccoli you will need to maintain a soil pH of 6.8 and higher discourages club root. Prevent fungal and bacteria diseases such as downy mildew and head rot by providing proper air flow and avoiding a harvest date during high humidity months. Broccoli plants grown in an organically rich soil is the ideal disease prevention.

Custom Search

Return to home page of gardening tips idea from growing broccoli