By Jennifer Olvera, Garden Guides Contributor
About Broccoli
Broccoli is a member of the cabbage family. It has plentiful flower
heads that, while frequently green in color, also can be found in
purple and orange varieties. The tree-like flowers, which are
surrounded by leaves, sprout from a thick, edible stalk. Broccoli
is most closely related to cauliflower. Its ancestor, wild cabbage,
hails from the north and west Mediterranean coasts and was first
brought to the States by the Italians.
Broccoli grows to 48 inches and has a branching habit. The central
stalk bears a cluster of green flower buds that may reach 6 inches
in diameter. When the central cluster is removed, side branches may
produce smaller clusters.
Broccoli itself offers a range of textures,its floret has a
flower-like mouthfeel, while its stalk is crunchy.
Site Preparation
Select a site that receives full sun. To grow broccoli
successfully, the pH of soil should be between 6.0 and 7.0 for
optimum growth. Turn the soil to a depth of 12 inches. Mix a
slow-acting granular fertilizer into the soil when you prepare the
planting area to provide continuous, consistent nutrition for the
duration of the growing period. Broccoli needs cool soil to grow,
so add a 2-inch layer of organic mulch, such as chopped leaves, hay
or straw, around and between plants.
Special Features
Broccoli contains sulforaphane and indoles, which have significant
anti-cancer benefits.
Certain cultivars continue producing side shoots after harvesting
as long as a few leaves are left on the plant.
Choosing a Variety
Generally speaking, hybrid broccoli varieties provide the best
production and better withstand hot weather. It's a good idea to
plant more than one variety at a time so broccoli production is
ongoing. Look for healthy plants with evenly green leaves.
Planting
Hardened-off transplants can go out 2 to 4 weeks before the average
date of the last frost and will tolerate temperatures into the
lower 20s.
Dig a hole as deep as the container and slightly wider. Remove pot,
and break up roots if bound. Place the plant in the hole, and add
organic matter to the planting hole. Refill hole. Mulch around but
not on top of the plant with 3 inches of organic compost.
Broccoli plants should be planted 18 inches apart in rows, and
there should be 24 inches between rows.
Care
Broccoli plants are heavy feeders. Apply 1 to 2 pounds of an
all-purpose fertilizer (20-20-20) per 100 feet of row. Side-dress
plants 3 weeks later with ammonium sulfate at rate of 1/2 cup per
10 feet of row. Side-dress broccoli again at the time of first
harvest to encourage side shoot development.
Water well, but do not allow the soil to become waterlogged.
Broccoli, on average, needs 1 to 1
1/2 inches of water or
rain per week, so make up the difference during times of
drought.
Do not plant broccoli in the same place in the garden 2 years in a
row.
Harvesting and Storage
Harvest the center green flower bud cluster of broccoli while the
buds remain tight and before yellow petals appear. Cut the central
stem 5 to 6 inches below the head.
Broccoli clusters should be compact, uniformly colored and
flower-free. Blossoming means broccoli is over-matured. Leaves
should be vibrant and not wilted. Broccoli is very perishable and
should be stored in an open plastic bag in the crisper of a
refrigerator where it will keep for a week. Do not wash broccoli
before refrigerating.
Mary Ann's Mace
and Oregano Broccoli
