Sprouting Broccoli - Key Growing Information

Sprouting broccoli, known for its numerous small heads rather than a single large one, is a hardy and versatile vegetable. This guide will provide you with the best methods to grow sprouting broccoli, including tips on planting, spacing, watering, and choosing the right varieties. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced gardener, these tips will help you achieve a bountiful harvest.

Scientific Name

Brassica oleracea var. sabellica

Crop Culture

Sprouting broccoli prefers a full sun location and well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0. It's essential to enrich the soil with compost or well-rotted manure before planting. This cool-season crop can be sown directly in the garden in late spring to early summer for a fall or winter harvest, depending on your climate. In milder regions, it can also be planted in the fall for an early spring harvest.

Planting Sprouting Broccoli

Proper spacing and planting are crucial for healthy sprouting broccoli growth.

• Starting Seeds: Plant seeds 1/2 inch deep and thin seedlings to stand 18-24 inches apart, with rows spaced 24-36 inches apart. Ensure consistent moisture throughout the growing season, especially during dry spells.
• Direct Sowing vs. Module Sowing: Sprouting broccoli can be sown directly into the ground or started in modules. Module sowing is often preferred as it allows better control over growing conditions and easier management of pests and diseases. Direct sowing can save time and is suitable if you have good soil conditions.
• Mulching: Mulching helps retain soil moisture and regulate soil temperature.

Soil and Watering

Sprouting broccoli prefers well-drained soil rich in organic matter.

• Soil Preparation: Work compost or well-rotted manure into the soil before planting to improve fertility.
• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Watering regularly helps prevent bolting (premature flowering) and ensures even plant development. Mulching can help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Recommended Varieties

Choosing the right variety can enhance your growing experience and yield. Here are some sprouting broccoli varieties that are good for solving common problems and avoiding diseases:

Preventing Common Problems

Certain varieties and cultivation methods can help prevent or reduce common problems associated with growing sprouting broccoli.

• Avoiding Bolting: Choose bolt-resistant varieties like 'Early Purple' and 'Rudolph' and ensure consistent moisture levels. Avoid stress conditions such as irregular watering and extreme temperatures.
• Pest Control: Keep an eye out for pests like cabbage worms, aphids, and flea beetles. Use organic insecticides or introduce beneficial insects to keep pest populations under control. Protect plants from cabbage white butterflies with netting or row covers.
• Disease Management: Practice crop rotation and ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases like downy mildew and clubroot.

Harvesting Sprouting Broccoli

Knowing when and how to harvest sprouting broccoli is crucial for the best flavor and yield.

• Harvest Time: Sprouting broccoli typically needs a long growing season, often taking 9-12 months from sowing to harvest. Plan your planting schedule accordingly.
• Signs of Readiness: Harvest the side shoots when they are about 15-20 cm long and the flower buds are still tight. For spring and summer harvests, pick often and early to avoid the crop flowering and bolting.
• Harvesting Method: Use a sharp knife to cut the central head first, which encourages the side shoots to develop for a continuous harvest. Avoid cutting too close to the main stem to prevent damage.

Storage and Preservation

• Short-Term Storage: Sprouting broccoli can be kept in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• Long-Term Storage: For longer storage, blanch the florets for 3 minutes, cool them in ice water, drain, and then freeze. Sprouting broccoli can also be pickled or added to canned dishes.

Additional Tips for a Successful Harvest

• Temperature: Sprouting broccoli thrives in temperatures between 10-20°C. Protect young plants from late frosts and provide shade during extreme heat.
• Fertilizing: Use a balanced fertilizer at planting and again midway through the growing season to support healthy growth and shoot development.
• Weed Control: Keep the bed weed-free to reduce competition for nutrients and water. Mulching helps with weed suppression.

Growing Sprouting Broccoli in Containers

Sprouting broccoli can also be grown successfully in containers, making them perfect for small spaces such as balconies.

• Container Size: Use a pot that is at least 30 cm in diameter and depth.
• Soil: Use a high-quality potting mix enriched with compost.
• Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist and ensure the container has good drainage.

By following these guidelines and choosing the right varieties, you can enjoy a plentiful harvest of delicious sprouting broccoli. Whether you have a large garden or just a small balcony, sprouting broccoli is a rewarding and versatile crop to grow.