Beruflich Dokumente
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Planting
Broccoli requires full sun and moist, fertile soil that's slightly acidic. Work in 2 to 4 inches of
rich compost or a thin layer of manure before planting.
For spring plantings, seed or set transplants 2 to 3 weeks before last spring frost date. If you
transplant, assume 10 less days for growth or the "days to maturity" on the seed packet.
For fall plantings, seed 85 to 100 days before your average first fall frost. If you live in a
warm climate, a fall planting is best, as broccoli thrives in cool weather. Plant seeds in midto late-summer in most places.
Plant seeds 1/2 inch deep, or set transplants slightly deeper than they were grown originally.
Within a row, space your plants 12 to 24 inches apart with 36 inches between each row.
Space plants 12 to 24 inches apart, depending on the side heads you want to harvest.
If you overseed, you will need to thin seedlings to 12 inches apart to give room for the
broccoli to grow.
Care
Provide consistent soil moisture with regular watering, especially in drought conditions.
Some varieties of broccoli are heat tolerant, but all need moisture.
Roots are very shallow, do not cultivate. Suffocate weeds with mulch.
Pests
Flea Beetles
Aphids: Curling leaves may mean that the plant's sap is being sucked by insects. Apply
soapy water to all sides of leaves whenever you see aphids.
Downy mildew: Yellow patches on leaves are usually caused by moist weather. Keep leaves
as dry as possible with good air circulation. Buy resistant varieties.
Cabbage loopers: Small holes on the leaves between the veins mean small
green caterpillars are present. Look at the undersides of the leaves. Hand pick if the problem
is small or control with Bacillus thuringiensis. Use a floating row cover just after planting
through harvest to prevent caterpillars.
Cabbageworms and other worm pests: Treat same as loopers.
Whiteflies
Nitrogen deficiency: If the bottom leaves turn yellow and the problem continues toward the
top of the plant, the plants need a high nitrogen (but low phosphorus) fertilizer or
bloodmeal. Blood meal is a quick Nitrogen fix for yellowing leaves.
Clubroot: Quickly wilting plants may be due to this fungus in the soil. The entire plant,
including all roots and root tendrils, must be gently dug up and removed. If the roots are
gnarled and misshapen, then clubroot is the problem. Act quickly to remove the plants so
that the fungus doesn't continue to live in the soil. Do not compost the plants. Raise the pH
of your soil to above 7.2. You may need to sterilize your soil, too.
Harvest/Storage
In terms of timing: Harvest broccoli when the buds of the head are firm and tight before the
heads flower. If you do see yellow petals, harvest immediately.
For best taste, harvest in the morning before the soil heats up.
Cut the stalk of the main head at a slant, about 5 to 8 inches below the head.
Most varieties have side-shoots that will continue to develop after the main head is
harvested. You can harvest from one plant for many weeks, in some cases, from spring to
fall, if youre summer isnt too hot.
Store broccoli in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you wash before storing, make sure to
dry it thoroughly.
Recommended Varieties
Green Goliath is heat-tolerant and sprouts side shoots that will mature for harvesting.
Green Duke is heat tolerant and an early variety that's especially good for Southern
gardeners.
Calabrese is a prolific Italian heirloom that sprouts side shoots that will mature for
harvesting. Great for fall planting, too.
'Flash' is a fast-growing heat-resistant hybrid with good side-shoot production once the
central head is cut. Great for fall planting, too.