Broccoli
Brassica oleracea var. italica, B. oleracea var. italica x alboglabra
A member of the Brassica family, broccoli is a nutrient-dense superfood rich in vitamins and beneficial compounds. Broccoli is a slow-growing, cool-season crop that is typically harvested in early summer and in fall. Full-size broccoli heads can sometimes be tricky to grow as it can be prone to premature bolting, but there are sprouting (mini, baby) broccoli varieties available that are fast-maturing, easier to grow, and produce prolific quantities of small florets. Technically, some sprouting broccoli varieties are a cross between broccoli and another brassica, gai lan, but they are grown in a similar way.
How to Grow Broccoli
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Growing from Seed
Broccoli is a cool weather crop that typically grows best in the spring or fall, although there are heat tolerant varieties that can be grown throughout most of the season depending on your climate. Some varieties of broccoli and 'late sprouting' broccoli can be grown over winter in milder climates. Broccoli seeds can be sown directly outdoors in spring as soon as the soil is workable, however starting seeds indoors helps broccoli to get established before the summer heat sets in. A heat mat can be used to aid germination but excessive heat after germination can cause the seedlings to become leggy and weak. Turn off heat mats as soon as seedlings emerge and be sure your grow room is cool. Use grow lights to provide supplemental light as soon as the seeds germinate. For a fall crop of broccoli it is also helpful to start seeds indoors to avoid the intense heat in summer.
Planting Considerations
Broccoli prefers fertile, loamy soil that retains moisture but does not become waterlogged. Add compost to the soil at the time of planting. Apply mulch around the plants to manage weeds and to help retain moisture. Broccoli is susceptible to many pests. Proper plant spacing, good weed control, and applying row cover or insect netting at the time of planting can help to minimize pest damage. To grow broccoli in a container be sure to choose a compact variety that is suited for container growing and use a container that holds at least 5 gallons.
Feeding
Broccoli is a heavy feeder. Fertilize regularly throughout the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. Broccoli requires ample sulfur and boron. If your soil test indicates a deficiency be sure to amend your soil prior to planting broccoli.
Harvesting
Check the seed packet to confirm the estimated days to maturity for the variety you are growing as there can be a wide variation between different varieties. Harvest broccoli heads when the head is sizable and the buds are still firm and tight. If the florets start to stretch and loosen, harvest immediately regardless of the size of the head as the plant is about to go to flower. Broccoli flowers are edible but most people prefer the heads. Use a sturdy knife to cut the stalk roughly 5-8" (12-20 cm) below the head. Broccoli leaves are edible although some people prefer to pick them off the stem. Some broccoli varieties will develop small side shoots after the main head is harvested. If you intend to keep the plant growing for side shoots, harvest by cutting the stem at a 45-degree angle to help keep water from pooling on the cut stem.
Sprouting broccoli generally matures more quickly than heading broccoli. Harvest the stems before flower buds open. Cut stems about 4-8" (10-20 cm) below the florets. Harvest florets every several days to encourage continued production.
Storage
Unwashed broccoli can be stored in the fridge for up to several days. Broccoli can also be cut into bite-size pieces (or left whole for sprouting broccoli), blanched, cooled and dried then arranged in a single layer on a baking tray to be frozen. Transfer the frozen broccoli to a freezer safe bag and store it in the freezer for up to several months.
Pruning
Some sprouting broccoli varieties perform best when the main growing stem is pinched off early while others perform best without pinching. Check the seed packet for variety-specific instructions on pinching.
