When we hear broccoli, we think of green heads and florets. But depending on the variety, it can also be purple or yellow in color. No matter what type of broccoli or color - when sowing and growing broccoli, a green thumb is required.

The right seed

  • Broccoli Calabrese - the well-known green broccoli. It tastes excellent, is high-yielding and forms numerous side shoots. Cultivation takes place from March to June. Harvest time is between June and September.
  • Broccoli Marathon - has blue-green, firm and fine-budded heads. It is one of the medium-late, mildew-resistant varieties. Sow from April to June and harvest from July to October.
  • Broccoli Purple Sprouting - is a winter perennial variety. It is sown in July and overwinters outdoors. The following year it can be harvested from March to April.

Sowing and growing broccoli at the right time

Early varieties can be grown in a seed tray on a sunny windowsill from March. From mid-May, the seedlings can be placed in the bed or on the balcony. Late varieties can be sown outdoors from the end of April. Before sowing, cover the soil with loosened and sifted and well-rotted garden compost. Then sow the broccoli seeds 1 centimeter deep in seed grooves and cover thinly with sieved potting soil. Spray the bed regularly with lukewarm rainwater.

From mid-May to the end of July, when the broccoli plants are 10 centimeters high and have four leaves, they are planted in their final location at a distance of 50 centimeters. You can test whether the young plants are firmly planted in the ground by gently pulling on the upper leaves.

What do you need to grow broccoli yourself?

  • seed trays or seed pots
  • Potting soil or substrate
  • viable broccoli seeds
  • Mini watering can or spray bottle
  • Mini greenhouse or foil

The best start for broccoli cultivation

You can use yogurt pots or pots made from peat or egg cartons. Compostable containers are particularly practical because the young plants can be planted directly later without damaging the roots. Special seed soil is suitable for filling the containers. This is finer and less nutritious than potting soil and activates root growth.

tips and tricks

Discard seedlings that are weak or misshapen. They are not suitable for cultivation. Put vigorous young plants outside a few hours longer each day to harden off.

Category:

Vegetable garden