Hello Farms family, as this day corresponds to the vegetables I will tell you a little about The broccoli is a plant of the same species of cabbage, but that was selected for the consumption of its flower buds. These are harvested when the flowers are still closed, and they are usually eaten baked, although they can also be consumed raw.
There are basically two types of broccoli for cultivation, broccoli-de-cabeza and broccoli-de-ramas. Ramoso broccoli produce several inflorescences and broccoli-de-cabeza, as the name suggests, produce a large head in the center of the plant and are marketed in some regions with the names of broccoli-ninja, broccoli-Japanese or broccoli-American . Despite the names used in the trade, broccoli are plants of European origin, from the Mediterranean region.
Weather
Broccoli-cabeza are vegetables that hardly grow well in places where the average temperature exceeds 23 ° C. Although they can withstand lower temperatures for short periods, they grow better in the range that goes from 6 ° C to 23 ° C. Broccoli -ramos are more heat tolerant and can grow well at higher average temperatures, up to 28 ° C.
Brightness
These plants need high luminosity, with direct sunlight at least a few hours a day.
Ground
The soil must be well drained, fertile, rich in organic matter, with pH between 6 and 7.
The broccoli needs the boron micronutrient to develop well, being that its deficiency results in hollow stems and small, malformed inflorescences. If the soil is deficient in boron, it is necessary to use a fertilizer containing this micronutrient or apply borax or boric acid to the soil, or alternatively sprinkle the leaves of the plants with a solution of boric acid. The solution can be prepared using 2 grams of boric acid for every 5 liters of water. These procedures should only be done when they are necessary, since too much boron is also harmful.
Irrigation
The garden must be irrigated to keep the soil always moist, but without getting soaked.
Plantation
The seeds can be sown directly in the final place, at a depth of approximately 1 cm in the soil. They can also be planted in small cups, plastic or newspaper cups, with transplanted seedlings having 4 to 6 true leaves. However, broccoli or broccoli seedlings may be sensitive to transplant, so be very careful not to damage the seedlings and their roots. Transplant preferably at the end of the afternoon, with the soil well humid, or on cloudy days. Germination usually occurs in less than one or two weeks.
The spacing can be from 60 cm to 1 m between the plantation lines and from 30 cm to 60 cm between the plants. The greater spacings tend to generate plants with higher inflorescences, but the productivity per area is usually greater with the smaller spacings.
Cultural treatments
Remove invasive plants that can compete for resources and nutrients.
Harvest
Broccoli-head harvesting usually occurs 75 to 100 days after sowing, varying according to the cultivated crop. After the first harvest, lateral buds may emerge that make another harvest possible, with minor inflorescences.
The broccoli-ramos can be harvested from 60 to 90 days after sowing. The inflorescences can be taken several times in intervals of 5 to 10 days until the end of the flowering period.
The time to harvest is when the inflorescences are well developed and with an intense color, but before the flowers begin to open.
I love sharing with you for this day is all about The Brocolis