Broccoli Planting Technology and Management

Broccoli , as a vegetable that can be grown in all seasons, is loved by vegetable farmers for its preference for warm and humid climates and its wide adaptability. It is relatively easy to cultivate, the plant grows vigorously, and has better heat and cold resistance than cauliflower. Let’s learn about broccoli planting techniques and management together.

1. Plot and variety selection

Loam and sandy loam are ideal soils for growing broccoli, and good irrigation and drainage facilities are required. According to the maturity period, broccoli is divided into early, medium and late varieties.

2. Cultivation Season

In areas with suitable climate, broccoli can be grown all year round. The key is to choose varieties that are adapted to the local climate. The time for transplanting should be based on the temperature being stable at above 6°C. Make sure that the surface temperature is suitable before transplanting to avoid premature bolting.

3. Seeding and Seedling Raising

The substrate is prepared by mixing peat, vermiculite, and perlite, with appropriate amounts of fertilizer and fungicide . The sowing method uses standard seedling trays, and after sowing, appropriate measures are taken according to the season, such as covering the ground with film in spring and laying shade nets in autumn. During the seedling stage, control the appropriate temperature and humidity, pay attention to hardening the seedlings and preventing and controlling diseases and pests.

4. Planting

Apply organic fertilizer and compound fertilizer , plant the crops after ridge formation, and cover the ground with film in spring to increase warmth and retain moisture. ：Determine the appropriate spacing between rows and plants based on the characteristics of the variety and the planting method (bed or ridge cultivation).

5. Pollination

Artificial pollination is carried out during the bud stage to ensure even pollen application and improve pollination efficiency. In most cases, natural pollination is used.

6. Fertilizer and water management

1. Topdressing strategy

Fertilization during the growing season: When the plant has passed the seedling growth period and entered the rapid growth period, apply 15-20 kg of urea per acre along with watering to promote lush growth of leaves. As the growth of leaves slows down and the plants in the field basically cover the ground, apply 20-25 kg of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium compound fertilizer and irrigate at appropriate times to help the flower balls develop fully.

Fertilization during the curd formation stage: During the curd formation stage, spray 0.2% potassium dihydrogen phosphate, 0.2% borax and 0.2% ammonium molybdate solution on the leaves to increase curd yield and improve quality. The best time for spraying is in the windless evening, and it should be done every 7 to 10 days for 2 to 3 times.

Promoting the growth of side flower balls: After the main flower balls are harvested, apply 10-15 kg of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium compound fertilizer per mu in combination with irrigation to promote the growth of side flower balls.

2. Watering method

Irrigate immediately after each fertilization to promote fertilizer absorption. During the lotus setting period (middle stage of plant growth), control the water content appropriately and keep the soil moderately dry. When the diameter of the flower ball reaches 2 to 3 cm, irrigate in time to keep the soil moderately moist, and maintain the relative humidity of the soil at 65% to 80%. Regularly remove side buds to reduce unnecessary nutrient consumption and concentrate nutrients on the top flower ball, thus achieving better commercial quality.

3. Leaf shading operation

Implement leaf shading 5 to 7 days before picking. Break the main veins of old leaves on the periphery of the flower ball and build a simple shade shed to avoid direct sunlight. Shading measures can prevent the flower balls from changing color or blooming due to excessive sunlight, maintain the delicate texture of the flower balls, reduce fibrosis, and ensure the quality and market competitiveness of the flower balls.

7. Pest and disease control

A combination of agricultural, physical, biological and chemical control methods is adopted, and corresponding prevention and control measures are taken for different diseases and pests.

8. Reasonable harvesting

Determine the harvest time according to the maturity of the variety. The flower head is fully expanded, bright green in color, and has compact edges.

The above is an introduction to the key points of broccoli cultivation and management. If you do these steps well in daily cultivation and management, it is possible to achieve high yields of broccoli.