Did you know that there’s more to this humble little plant than meets the eye? Today we will discuss the different broccoli plant growing stages.
So let’s take a look at the different stages of a broccoli plant’s life, from seed to flower. Who knows, you might just find yourself getting a little bit more interested in this humble veggie once you learn more
Soil and Fertilizer Preparation
Whether you are growing broccoli in containers or in your garden, the key to success is in the preparation. The type of soil you will use have a big impact on the overall health of your plants and their ability to produce large, nutritious heads of broccoli.
Broccoli is a heavy feeder and will do best in rich, well-drained soils that have been amended with compost or other organic matter. If you are growing in containers, make sure to use a quality potting mix that is designed for vegetables.
In either case, adding a slow-release fertilizer to your planting bed or pots before you plant is a good idea. Broccoli is a cool-weather crop and will do best if it is planted early spring or late summer/early fall. If are living in an area with mild winters, you could even plant for a spring harvest in late winter.
Broccoli Planting
Broccoli can be direct-seeded or transplanted. Start transplants indoors for an earlier crop 4 to 6 weeks before setting them out. Use a seed-starting mix and planting trays or pots. Sow the seeds ¼ inch deep and keep the soil moist but not wet. Fertilize with a half-strength applied when the plants have their first true leaves. If you are planning on transplanting, set the seedlings out 2 to 3 weeks before the last frost date in your area, spacing them 18 inches apart in rows s apart in rows that are 3 feet apart. It is a good idea to harden off the seedlings for a week or so before transplanting by reducing water and placing them outdoors in a sheltered spot for increasing periods of time.
When transplanting or direct seeding, work compost into the top 6 inches of soil. Broccoli prefers a soil pH of 6.0 to 7.0. If your soil is on the alkaline side, you can lower the pH by adding elemental sulfur according to package directions. You can also add organic matter in the form of compost, rotted leaves, manure, or other materials to improve drainage and aeration and maintain moisture levels in heavy clay soils.
To direct seed, sow seeds ½ inch deep in rows that are 2½ feet apart, leaving 18 inches between plants within the row. When seedlings are 4 inches tall, thin them so they are 18 inches apart in the row; compost or eat the thinnings
Watering and Mulching
In the spring, water broccoli regularly, taking care not to overwater. Place your finger in the soil to check for moisture before watering. Broccoli requires 1 to 1 1/2 inches of rain or irrigation per week. An inch of rain or irrigation every 5 to 7 days is ideal. Too much water can cause the broccoli heads to split open.
Mulch around your broccoli plants using organic matter such as straw, pine needles, chopped leaves, bark chips or shredded newspaper. This will help conserve moisture and keep weeds at bay
Broccoli Plant Growing Stages
Although there are many types of broccoli, most will go through these seven stages of growth.
Seed germination is the process of a seed becoming a plant. This process for broccoli begins when the seeds are soaked in water for two to three days until they swell and the outer seed coats cracks. Once cracked, the seeds are placed in soil about 1/4 inch deep. The seeds will sprout in seven to 10 days and emerge from the soil as seedlings.
The first true leaves will be skinny and have a different shape than the adult leaves that will grow later. The first set of true leaves is followed by a second set of slightly larger leaves. Once the second set of true leaves has fully emerged, the seedling stage is complete, and the plant moves on to the vegetative stage.
The vegetative stage is when the broccoli plant starts to grow its first flowers, or heads. The amount of time it takes for heads to form can vary depending on variety, but it usually takes between 50 and 70 days after planting for broccoli to be ready for harvest. Keep in mind that broccoli heads continue to grow until they are harvested, so don’t wait too long!
Once the heads have formed, the plant enters into the flowering stage. This is when small white flowers blooming from the center of each head. The flowers open and close throughout the day, but they are usually only open at night or early in the morning. After about 10 days of flowering, pollination occurs, and small yellow-green fruits called cabbages begin to form where the flowers once were.
As the cabbages mature, they become larger and begin to push against each other, causing them to flatten out into one large head. This final stage is called maturity or headedness, and it generally occurs about 80 days after planting for most varieties of broccoli. At this point, the heads should be harvested before they begin to flower again (a process called bolting). If left unharvested, Bolting can cause bitterness in taste.”
Broccoli Harvesting
You can start harvesting broccoli when the buds appear and are about the size of a large marble. If you wait too long, buds will begin to open and turn into yellow flowers. To harvest, cut the main stem about 4-6 inches below the flower buds. New side shoots will soon form and provide another crop in 4-6 weeks. You can keep harvesting from the same plant for several months.
Broccoli Pests and Diseases
While broccoli is a hearty and robust plant, it is susceptible to a number of pests and diseases. The most common include:
-Aphids: These tiny insects suck the sap from the broccoli plants, causing them to wilt and preventing proper head formation.
-Cabbage worms: The larvae of the cabbage butterfly feed on the leaves of broccoli plants, causing them to turn yellow and eventually die.
-Club root: This fungal disease affects the roots of broccoli plants, causing them to swell and prevent the plant from taking up nutrients properly.
-Downy mildew: This fungal disease affects the leaves of broccoli plants, causing them to turn yellow and eventually die.
If you notice any of these pests or diseases on your broccoli plants, be sure to take action immediately in order to save your crop!
Broccoli Storage
After you’ve pulled your broccoli from the garden, you’ll want to store it properly to keep it fresh. First, trim the broccoli heads from the plant, leaving about an inch of stem. Cut or snap off any large leaves.
Broccoli can be stored in the fridge up to a week, but it’s best if used within a few days. Place the broccoli in a plastic bag or storage container, and make sure to remove any excess air before sealing. Alternatively, you can wrap the broccoli loosely in a damp paper towel before you place it in the fridge.
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