A member of the cabbage family, broccoli is a delicious and healthy vegetable that can be used in hundreds of different ways! Today, we're going to show you how to grow broccoli, when to harvest it, and how to get an abundant crop. Broccoli is a cold season crop so it can be grown in the spring or fall.
How to Grow Broccoli
Source: Harvesttotable
Planting:
Source: Ranchodelicioso
- Broccoli can be grown in cold weather soil as low as 40F.
- Before planting, whether in a pot or directly into the soil, work in about 2-4 inches of rich compost.
- Plan to plant your broccoli in a sunny spot.
- If you're planting in the spring, seed or transplant two to three weeks before the last frost.
- If you're planting in the fall, seed 85-100 days before the first frost.
- In a warmer climate, plant seeds in the fall, as broccoli likes colder soil.
- Plant seeds about 1/2 an inch deep.
- Plant your broccoli seeds about 12-24 inches apart and leave 26 inches between each row.
Care:
- Fertilize about three weeks after transplanting.
- Cover the soil with mulch to preserve soil moisture.
- Water regularly – broccoli soil needs to be moist at all times.
- Do not water the broccoli heads – stick to watering the soil only.
Harvesting:
Source: Rodalesorganiclife
- Harvest broccoli once heads are firm and tight, before you see any flowers.
- If you start to see yellow petals, harvest immediately.
- Cut the heads directly from the plant, about 6 inches of stem.
- Most broccoli varieties will have different shoots on the same plant, so you'll be able to harvest all season long.
Happy Planting!
