Broccoli

Can be grown in the spring and in the fall.

Recommended varieties are: "Green Comet", "Premium Crop", "Bravo", "Green Hornet", "Green Duke", "Cleopatra", and "DeCicco".

Broccoli is a popular member of the cabbage family. It can be grown in both the spring and fall, and it's fairly easy to grow. It needs a well-drained, fertile soil and adequate moisture.

For the fall garden…

Seed broccoli in late July through August. Plant seed directly in the row or in pots to be transplanted later.

For spring production…

Plant the seed in pots in a greenhouse, hotbed or coldframe during January. Recommended varieties are: Green Comet, Premium Crop, Bravo, Green Hornet, Green Duke, Cleopatra, and DeCicco.

A week or two before planting…

Prepare the soil and apply about four to five pounds of a complete fertilizer such as 8-24-24 per 100 feet of row.

If you're using transplants…

Set the plants at the same depth that they are in the container. Space them about 15 to 18 inches apart in the row. Rows should be about three feet apart. Water at time of transplanting.

About three to four weeks after transplanting, and before the crop begins to form head, side dress with about one-half cup of ammonium nitrate per 100 feet of row.

Harvest broccoli…

After the main head develops and before the individual flowerets begin to open. As the flowers open, the quality goes down quickly.

If caterpillars and worms are a problem, control them with Thuricide, Biotrol, or Dipel.

For more information on broccoli, contact your local County Extension Office.