How to grow Broccoli?
- Latin Family: Brassicaceae
- Latin Genus: Brassica
- Ease of Growing: Easy
- Growing Type: Annual
In the past 25 years Broccoli has come from relative obscurity to become one of the most popular garden vegetables in America. This is good because Broccoli is not only delicious, but also one of the most nutritious of all common vegetables.
Broccoli can be tricky to grow if you don't time it right, as it will often bolt before it gets big enough for the head to be useful. If you get the timing right then it isn't hard at all, and makes a great cold weather crop.
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Broccoli History
Broccoli is native to the Mediterranean, specifically Turkey, and was developed from Cabbage by the Etruscans. Through trade, the Italians quickly embraced Broccoli as early as the first century. A favorite variety in Rome was called Calabrese, which is the most common variety eaten today.
Soil Preference
- PH (min/max): 6.0 - 7.5
- PH Ideal (min/max): 6.5 - 6.8
Broccoli needs to grow fast for best quality. To do this it needs a rich, moist, well-drained soil, with lots of available nutrients and organic matter. Like most Brassicas it doesn't like acid soil.
How to care for Broccoli?
The plants need looking after carefully. If there is a slow down or interruption in growth they may bolt prematurely.
Water
Broccoli transpires quite a lot of water and for optimal growth the soil should be moist at all times. This isn't usually a problem because it grows in fairly cool weather.
Fertilizer
Like most members of the cabbage family, Broccoli is a hungry plant and needs plenty of nutrients for good growth. It doesn't like [acid] soil.
Seeds
Seed Viability: 3-4 years
Germination Percentage: 75.0
Broccoli usually self-incompatible and must be cross-pollinated by insects. This means there must be a number of plants flowering at the same time. All of the Brassica oleracea crops are the same species and will cross with each other. To maintain purity you have to ensure that only one type flowers at once. The alternative is to isolate them, either by distance (1000 yards for different varieties, 1500 yards for different crops), or by caging them (don't forget they need insects for pollination). Save the seed from at least 5 plants to maintain some genetic diversity.
Seed is produced in long pods and should be gathered when the older bottom pods first start to split open. Watch them carefully as they shatter easily when they are fully ripe. Cut the seedpod bearing stems and dry them in a warm place (I put small quantities in a paper grocery bag so I don't lose any seeds). The large seeds are easily handled and cleaned. Of course it is essential that they are thoroughly dry before storage.
Broccoli Raab will cross with Chinese cabbage, turnips, some rapeseed (canola) and other plants in the same species.Isolate by 1/8 mile for home use. For pure seed of small plantings isolate by 1/4 to 1/2 mile.
Light
Sun: min. 6 hours daily
Broccoli prefers full sun when growing in cool weather.
Conditions:Cold, Cool
Season:Short Season, Long Season
Part shade
In warm weather it will grow in light shade.
Conditions:Cool, Warm
Season:Short Season, Long Season
Storage
For longer term storage Broccoli freezes well.
Storage Req: Freezer
Storage Temp: 32°F
Storage Length: days
Broccoli is best eaten as soon as possible, as it is quite perishable. It may keep up to a week or so in a plastic bag in the fridge.
Storage Req: Refrigerator
Storage Temp: 35-40°F
Storage Length: 3-7 days
Problems
Boron deficiency
All plants of the Cabbage family are susceptible to boron deficiency, which manifests itself as hollow stems. Compost should supply the plants with all the boron they need.
Broccoli Types
- Chinese Broccoli
- Romanesco
- Raab
- Calabrese
- Purple
Romanesco Cauliflower (also known as Romanesco Broccoli or Roman Cauliflower) has a distinctive fractal appearance of its heads, and is yellow-green in color.
Although it looks looks like a Broccoli, this plant is actually a Turnip! Broccoli Raab is grown for its leaves and stems, unlike heading broccoli. It's tasty and also highly nutritious.
Calabrese Broccoli is known for its large-headed edible flower stalk, which consists of clusters of small green flower buds. This is not only tasty but also highly nutritious.
Purple Cauliflower is a type of broccoli sold in southern Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom. It has a head shaped like cauliflower, but consists of tiny flower buds. It sometimes has a purple cast to the tips of the flower buds.
Pests
- Cabbageworms
- Cabbage Root Maggot
- Flea Beetle
- Birds
- Thrips
- Leafhoppers
- Aphids
- Carrot Beetle
- Whiteflies
- Slugs and snails
- Groundhog
- Raccoons
- Gophers
- Deer
Diseases
- Boron
- Wirestem
- Clubroot
- Fusarium Wilt
- Blackleg, Aerial Stem Rot
- Damping Off
- Downy Mildew
Related Plants
Greens, Juicing
Sprouts
Seacale
Kohlrabi
Collards
Anise
Caraway
Cumin
Cauliflower
Culantro