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Broccoli is a cool-season vegetable that can be planted in spring and fall. For more information about growing broccoli, click here. |
VARIETIES: Cruiser, Green Comet, Packman and Premium Crop all have excellent production and eating quality.
CULTIVATION:
Soil Preparation:
Before planting, incorporate organic matter and all-purpose fertilizer. For more information on soil preparation, click here.
Planting:
- Broccoli can be grown from seed or transplants.
- Seeds should be planted ¼-1 inch apart, in rows 1-3 feet apart. Thin plants to 12 inches apart when they have 3-4 true leaves.
- Transplants may be planted 2-3 weeks before the last frost-free date. Start seeds indoors 5-6 weeks before planting. For more information on frost dates, click here.
- Fall planting should occur 50-75 days before the anticipated maturity date. The maturity date can be several weeks after the first fall frost.
Irrigation: Broccoli prefers deep, infrequent watering, about 1-2 inches per week. For more information on watering, click here.
Fertilization: Apply a nitrogen-based fertilizer 4 weeks after transplanting or thinning. Reapply when the heads are the size of a quarter. Apply again after harvesting the head to encourage side shoots. For more information on fertilizing, click here.
Harvest: Cut broccoli when the head is fully developed, but before the flowers open enough to show yellow.
COMMON PESTS AND DISEASES: Aphids, cabbage worms, loopers and flea beetles are common pests of broccoli. Alternaria leaf spot and boron deficiency are diseases to look out for. For more information on controlling pests and diseases, click here.