Broccoli

Plant family

Crucifers (Brassicaceae)

Season Overview

Details

Light requirement

Sunny

Water requirement

Wet

Soil

Medium (loamy)

Nutrient requirement

High

Plant distance

45 cm

Row spacing

45 cm

Seeding depth

1.5 cm

Instructions

Beginning of February

Propagating

End of February

Transplanting

Mid of March

Harden

Description

Broccoli is a rather demanding crop from the cruciferous family and is closely related to cauliflower. Edible parts of the plant are the flower buds, small side shoots can also be harvested. Varieties differ in color (green, purple) and size. Typically planted in spring and harvested in summer, but fall and winter cultivation is also possible.

Growing tips

Prefers humusy, calcareous, deep, slightly heavier soil in a sunny location. An even supply of water and nutrients during growth is important. When planting seedlings, the soil should be moist and you should water the seedlings well. You can cut off the closed inflorescences with an approx. 10 cm long stalk. Broccoli varieties grow at very different speeds, some varieties are ready for harvesting after 3 months after sowing, others only after 5 months. This means that there is summer broccoli (planting time April/May), autumn broccoli (planting time June/July) and winter broccoli (planting time September), the latter is only harvested the following spring, depending on the speed of growth. Broccoli can also be harvested in frost-free winters, as it can withstand sub-zero temperatures. However, the plants will still be happy if you cover them with fleece.