Broccoli is a popular vegetable that is typically boiled or steamed. Its large, green flower heads have a characteristic tree-like appearance. Broccoli is a man-made vegetable that was highly valued in Italy over centuries – its name is indeed Italian in origin. Nowadays, it’s a wonderful side vegetable or part of a stir fry.
Cauliflower is less finicky to grow than cauliflower, but still prefers a cooler climate. Like cauliflower and cabbage, different varieties can be used in the garden to provide an extended harvesting period.
Calabrese is very similar plant to broccoli that is much more tolerant to warmer weather and drier soils.
Planting Broccoli
Its important to speak to a local nursery or organic producer about the right sort of broccoli to use in your climate. Generally, cool but not wet weather is preferred.
Sow broccoli in seed trays or punnets half an inch (1cm) deep. Keep the soil moist, and thin out as they grow such that seedlings are 6 inches (15cm) apart.
Transplant 10cm to their final place when they are about 4 inches (10cm) tall, with a few true leaves. Harden them off before transplanting for one week. Take as much soil with the plant from the seed tray as possible. They should be spaced about 2 feet (60cm) apart in rows 2 feet apart, so that the bed appears to be a grid of broccoli.
Broccoli should be grown in a sunny position with deep, moist and free-draining soil.
It’s possible to sow some hardy forms of broccoli directly to the ground, but this is a less successful technique. If opting for this approach, sow the seeds in groups half an inch deep and thin as they grow.
Growing Broccoli
Broccoli loves fertilizer, but careful of nitrogen levels unless you want too much squishy, leafy growth. Organic matter and general fertilizer go well with broccoli.
The ground that broccoli grows in should always be at least a little moist. To achieve this, water regularly and use a topping of mulch. Weed regularly.
Broccoli will need significant earthing up as it grows, since it’s prone to toppling over due to the relative size of its flowers to the stem. Simply mound the soil around the stem gradually.
Harvesting Broccoli
Its time to harvest when the heads are still packed close together. Don’t let the flowers open fully. Use a sharp knife to cut at the main stem using a diagonal cut to prevent water logging in the base of the stem. The broccoli will likely continue to grow side shoots which can be harvested every so often. Always leave some shoots on the plant to allow more shoots to grow and preserve the taste.
Broccoli freezes very well. Soak in salted water for 15 minutes, then blanch for 3 minutes, before packing in containers and freezing.
Threats to Broccoli
Cabbage moth, cabbage white butterfly and aphids are the most common bug threat. Downy mildew can also occur and should be treated with a fungicide.