Plant and go info
Botanical Name: Brassica oleracea var. italica
| Depth: 1/2" - 3/4" | Spacing: 12-18" | Row Spacing 2-3' | Temp: 50-80F |
| Sun: Full/6 hrs | pH: 6.0-7.0 | Germ: 5-10 days | Harvest: 70-75 days |
| Soil: Well drained | Container: 12x12" | Water: 1-2 in per wk | |
Companion plant: Cauliflower
Details for growing
Broccoli is a Cole crop so it's temperature sensitive throughout it's growing stages. Nominal Temperatures for optimal growth ranges from 50-80F. Luckily there are a few different varieties available to grow. Usually grown in early spring or autumn, but depending on sun and temperature broccoli can be grown almost anywhere. Broccoli seeds are capable of germinating in soil temperatures as low as 40°F (4°C), but warmer soil is preferred and will greatly speed up development.
Sow broccoli 1/2 - 3/4" and space 12-14" apart, rows 2-3' apart. Sow seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost or outdoors 2 weeks before last frost. Suggested soil is well drained and "loose" potting soil is fine. Thin when young plants when they reach 2 to 3 inches tall.
Transplant seedlings outdoors when there 4-6" tall and have 4-5 true leaves, 2 weeks before last frost. Fertilize broccoli three weeks after transplanti
ng seedlings into the garden. Use a low-nitrogen fertilizer, such as a 5-10-10 formula. Provide consistent soil moisture with regular watering, especially in drought conditions. Water at least 1 to 1 1/2 inches per week, be extra vigilant until plants are established and leave alone until harvest. A single broccoli plant can grow to 30-36" tall and 40-45" wide.
ng seedlings into the garden. Use a low-nitrogen fertilizer, such as a 5-10-10 formula. Provide consistent soil moisture with regular watering, especially in drought conditions. Water at least 1 to 1 1/2 inches per week, be extra vigilant until plants are established and leave alone until harvest. A single broccoli plant can grow to 30-36" tall and 40-45" wide.Harvest
Broccoli takes about 70-75 days ti fully mature. If your growing microgreens the harvest 8-10 days or 2 1/2"-3" tall. If you wait to full maturity then a good rule of thumb is harvest when the head is 4"-8" in diameter. Cut 5" below the head and harvest again later. Broccoli can be harvested two to three times for up to three months. The side shoots keep growing after the head is removed.
Tip
Do not get developing broccoli heads wet when watering, as it can encourage rot. Roots are very shallow, so try not to disturb the plants. Mulching around plants will also help to keep soil temperatures down.
Fun facts
The heaviest broccoli was grown by John and Mary Evens of Palmer, Alaska.
The Broccoli City music festival is held every year in Washington DC high lights healthy eating, music, and creativity.
Conclusion
That's it folks nothing to it really, do your research, plant, harvest, repeat. If your crop fails try again. Thanks for reading, please comment and subscribe.