Description: 500PURPLESPROUTING BROCCOLISEEDSGrowing and Harvesting Guide for Broccoli Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) is a nutritious, cool-season vegetable that can be grown in various climates. With the right care, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you grow and harvest broccoli successfully. Growing Broccoli 1. Choosing the Right Variety: Select varieties based on your climate and the growing season length. Common varieties include: Calabrese: The most commonly grown variety.Sprouting Broccoli: Produces multiple smaller heads.Purple Broccoli: Unique color with a sweet flavor. 2. When to Plant: Spring: Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date or sow directly outside 2-4 weeks before the last frost.Fall: Start seeds for a fall crop 10-12 weeks before the first frost. 3. Soil Preparation: Choose a location with full sun (6-8 hours of sunlight per day) and well-drained soil.Ideal soil pH is between 6.0 and 7.0.Enrich the soil with organic matter (compost or well-rotted manure) and a balanced fertilizer before planting. 4. Planting Seeds/Seedlings: Direct Sowing: Plant seeds ½ inch deep, spaced 18-24 inches apart in rows about 2 feet apart.Transplanting: When seedlings have 2-3 true leaves, transplant them outdoors. Space them as mentioned above. 5. Watering and Maintenance: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; broccoli requires about 1-1.5 inches of water per week.Mulch around the plants to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.Fertilize again after a month with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer to encourage leafy growth. 6. Pest and Disease Management: Common pests include aphids, cabbage worms, and flea beetles. Use row covers, insecticidal soap, or natural predators (like ladybugs) to manage infestations.Watch for diseases like downy mildew and black rot; plant disease-resistant varieties, ensure good air circulation, and rotate crops annually. 7. Companion Planting: Planting broccoli with companions such as beans, onions, and herbs (e.g., rosemary and sage) can improve growth and reduce pests. Harvesting Broccoli 1. Harvest Timing: Broccoli is ready to harvest when the heads are firm, compact, and still dark green. Generally, this is about 70-100 days after planting, depending on the variety.The best time to harvest is in the morning when the heads are at their freshest. 2. How to Harvest: Use a sharp knife to cut the main head from the stem, leaving a few inches of the stem attached. Be careful not to damage the side shoots.If left unharvested, the heads will bloom into yellow flowers, indicating they are past their prime. 3. Post-Harvest Handling: Store harvested broccoli in a cooler, dark place. It lasts 3-5 days in the refrigerator. Avoid washing until ready to use to prevent moisture build-up. 4. Encouraging Side Shoots: After harvesting the main head, leave the plant in the ground. It will produce smaller side shoots that can be harvested for several weeks. Tips for Successful Broccoli Growth Practice crop rotation to prevent soil-borne diseases.Regularly monitor for pests and diseases.Broccoli does best in cooler weather; if the forecast predicts extreme heat, consider providing shade.Harvest regularly to encourage new growth. By following this guide, you'll be well-equipped to grow and harvest delicious, nutritious broccoli in your home garden. Enjoy your gardening! As a seller, I understand that there may be some confusion when it comes to the terms and conditions of shipping and delivery. In order to provide clarity, I would like to address a few important points: 1. 3 business day shipping: We strive to ship out your order within three business days from the date of purchase. This means that weekends (Saturday and Sunday) are not considered business days, so please keep this in mind when estimating your delivery time. 2. No tracking on orders under $16: Due to the rising costs of delivery, we regretfully cannot provide tracking information for orders under $16. This allows us to keep our prices competitive while still offering reliable shipping services. 3. Estimated delivery dates: While we make every effort to provide accurate estimated delivery dates, they should be viewed as approximations. Various factors, such as unforeseen delays in transit, may impact the actual delivery date. We kindly ask for your understanding should any discrepancies arise. 4. Seller's lack of control over third-party delivery: Once the order is placed with USPS or any third-party delivery service, we, as the seller, have no control over the speed of delivery. We rely on their efficiency and processes to ensure your package arrives in a timely manner. 5. Longer delivery times: In some cases, orders may take up to 15 business days to be delivered. While this is not typical, it is important to note that different factors, such as customs processes, distance, or volume of orders, can contribute to longer delivery times. 6. Contact seller before opening a case or leaving negative feedback: We kindly request that if you encounter any issues with your order, please reach out to us directly before opening a case or leaving negative feedback. We are here to help and will do everything we can to resolve any problems you may have. 7. Give seller a chance to resolve problems: It is our sincere desire to ensure your satisfaction with every purchase. By giving us a chance to address any issues, we are confident that we can find a positive resolution that meets your needs. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in these matters. Our primary goal is to provide you with excellent customer service and an enjoyable shopping experience. Should you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.
Price: 1.96 USD
Location: Berwyn, Illinois
End Time: 2024-09-18T03:25:57.000Z
Shipping Cost: 0 USD
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Item Specifics
All returns accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted
Climate: temperate
Planting Time: 6 Weeks
Common Name: Broccoli
Color: Green
Indoor/Outdoor: Outdoor
Growth Habit: Clumping
MPN: n/a
Vegetable Type: broccoli
Soil Type: Loam
California Prop 65 Warning: n/a
Brand: Fresh
Season of Interest: Spring
Soil pH: Neutral
Life Cycle: Annual
Type: Vegetable Seeds
Watering: Medium
Unit Type: Unit
Genus: Brassica
Sunlight: Full Sun
Features: Edible
Cultivating Difficulty: Easy
Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
Unit Quantity: 250