Broccoli
Brassica oleracea var. italica
History
Broccoli is part of the brassica familt which holds is sister crops the brussel sprouts and cabbage. Grown first by the Roman, flowering head was breed with larger and larger heads compare to its sister plants. Throughout history broccoli had begun to fade from popularity after the fall of the roman empire. it wasnt until the seceond world war as selective cross breeding that it had begun its rise in populatiry with some head forming in as little as 2 months.
Growing conditions
Sunlight
Needs atleast 6 hours of direct sunlight
Temperature Range
50F-75F
Bolting can occur over 75F
Soil Conditions
Sandy Loam soil.
Water
1 to 2 inches of water per week.
Water the plants when the topsoil is dry to the touch.
Nutrients
10-10-5
Adding a nitrogen rich compost can help encourage the growth
pH
6.0-7.0
Plant care
Sowing Seeds
Plant seeds 1/4" to a 1/2" deep and space them 4 to 6 inches apart. Cover with straw to help retain moisture.
Germination
Seeds can take 3 to 10 days to germinate
Once the plants are above the straw carefully remove the straw thin out the plants to a 12 to 18 inches of space between plants.
Pruning
Remove lower leaves to prevent pest from climbing up the plant. Remove dead and over crowded leaves to help with air flow
Harvest
Once the main head has been harvested the plant will divert enegry to the side shoots. They will not be as large as the main head but can still proved a bountiful harvest.
Growing Tips
Broccoli is a heavey feeder and supplement feeding help help grow a larger head of broccoli.
Harvest before the yellow flowers begin to sprout, this can happen in as little as day.
Garden plotter quick facts
Spacing
10" to 16"
Water needs
Low
Sunlight
Full Sun
Root vegetable that grows best in loose, sandy soil.
