How to Grow Broccoli

Broccoli belongs to the same family as cabbage. The demand for this vegetable has grown manifolds in the recent years because it has been found that broccoli nutritional value are really very high. It is a rich source of calcium, iron, vitamins A and C. It consists of sulforaphane, an antioxidant which can fight cancer. Moreover, it has a very low calorie count and can be included even in low calorie diet. More and more people are curious to know how to grow broccoli as the taste of home grown, fresh broccoli is much tastier as compared to those that are available in the grocery stores.

How to Grow Broccoli from Seed

Growing broccoli is fairly an easy and simple task and can be grown anywhere provided the weather is cool. It prefers a temperature range of 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Here are the step by step instructions that need to be followed to grow broccoli:

Selection of Location
A proper site selection for planting the broccoli plant in the garden is very important. The selected location should receive full sun and have proper air circulation. On an average, the height of a broccoli plant is around three feet. So, the site should not have any other crops nearby area as they may get shaded by the broccoli plants.

Soil Preparation
Broccoli does not have any soil preference and it can grow in any type of soil if it is loose and has a good drainage. The pH range of the soil should be in between 6.0 and 7.0. Before planting the seeds, you have to enrich the soils. Loosen up the soil and add one inch of compost to it. Mix some nitrogen rich organic fertilizer to enrich it further. It should be followed by watering of the soil.

Sowing the Seeds
Before planting broccoli, you have to learn how to grow broccoli sprouts at home. The advantage of using home grown sprouts is that the seedlings planted will be free from various diseases and infections. Usually, the seeds of broccoli are sowed indoors four to six weeks before the last frost. To grow sprouts, soak the broccoli seeds overnight at room temperature. Take a container, put a layer of prepared soil into it and water the soil. Now, dig one inch deep hole into the soil, place the soaked seed into it and cover it up with some loose soil. You will notice sprouts coming out within two to three days.

Transplant the Seedlings
When the seedlings grow to a height of 12 inches, then it's time to transfer them to the garden. This should be done around two weeks before the last frost. Lift the seedling from the container holding the base of the stem and place it into a 2 inch deep hole so that the entire root remains inside the hole. Now, fill up one inch of the hole with water and then cover it up with soil. Press the soil tightly so that it is properly secured to the ground. Keep a gap of 15 inches in between two seedlings.

Watering
Broccoli plants should be watered in such a way that the soil remain thoroughly moist but do not get saturated with water. Broccoli has a very shallow root so if you do not water them properly then it would not get sufficient amount of nutrients and you will not be able to yield good crop. The ideal time for watering these plants is morning because this will ensure that the foliage turns dry before sunset.

Plant Care
Mulching is a must to prevent growth of weeds. It also helps the soil to retain maximum moisture. Broccoli requires a good amount of nutrients. Therefore, it should be fertilized with 4-8-4 fertilizer after a gap of every 3 to 4 weeks. You can also add well rotted manure into the soil from time to time. Broccoli is susceptible to some insects like aphids and cabbage loopers. Use garlic spray to control aphids. To protect the crop from cabbage loopers, cover up the plant with insect netting.

Harvesting Broccoli
In general, broccoli reaches maturity after 55 to 100 days of planting. Broccoli should be harvested when the diameter of its head is around 3 inches and its buds are firm. You have to cut the central head along with four to five inches stem. It is believed that the broccoli tastes better if it is harvested early in the morning.

For growing broccoli in containers, you have to follow the same procedure. The fresh broccoli that you have harvested in your garden should be used up within 3 to 5 days. If you refrigerate it too long, then it will turn fibrous and you will not be able to enjoy its crunchy taste. You cannot even yield its nutritional benefits.