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GREEN-Seeds.com
vegetables & herbs
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Broccoli
Climatic Requirements
Broccoli makes its best growth under moderately cool conditions (60 F to
70 F), especially toward the harvesting stage. The compactness of the head
(bud formation), which is the important characteristic in broccoli, develops
best under cool temperature ev en though the plants may have been growing
in fairly warm weather.
Cultivars
Varieties
In the warm lowlands, Greenbud, DeCicco, Green Comet, Blue Ocean, and Express
Corona are best adapted because of their ability to produce a large central
head and numerous lateral shoot. Waltham 29, Atlantic, Premium Crop, and
Express Corona are best adap ted to the cool uplands above 2000 feet elevation.
Seed Availability
Seeds of broccoli are usually available on seed racks in local garden shops,
from local seed stores, and in Mainland seed catalogues.
Culture
Cultivation and Irrigation
 Cultivate the garden
frequently to control weeds and to prevent surface crusting of soils that
cake and prevent water penetration. Cultivation should be shallow to prevent
root root injury.
Irrigate regularly,
as often as needed to prevent plants wilting from lack of water. Irregular
irrigation may cause hollow stem conditions just below the sprouts. Disease
Control
The most common diseases
of broccoli are wire stem and black leg disease in the seedling stages,
and black rot and downy mildew in the mature stages. Wire stem disease can
best be controlled by treating with a seed disinfectant, or by preplant
soil applic ation of Terraclor plus captan. Black leg and black rot are
usually transmitted through the seed. The best control is hot-water seed
treatment at 122 F for 15 to 20 minutes. Downy mildew may become serious
in cool, wet areas and seasons. It appears as flu ffy, purple-white growth
on the lower leaf surfaces, leaving yellow spots on the upper surfaces.
Spraying with zineb or maneb will control this disease.
When applying insecticides
and fungicides, be sure to read and follow recommendations and directions
on the label carefully.
Fertilizers
Soil Preparation
Broccoli will do well in any soil type that has a fair degree of fertility,
a high water-holding capacity, and good drainage with a pH range of 6.0
to 7.0. Work the soil to break up any hardpan that prevents good drainage.
Then work manure or other availa ble organic matter into the soil to a depth
of 6 to 8 inches. If soil must be fumigated for nematodes, do this after
the soil is prepared, and allow an interval of 2 to 3 weeks after treatment
before planting.
Fertilizer Application
General garden fertilizer,
such as 10-30-10, can be applied at the rate of 2.5 to 3.5 pounds total
per 100 square feet. Apply the fertilizer in three applications: at transplanting,
4 to 5 weeks after transplanting, and 12 to 14 weeks after transplanting.
Additional nitrogen fertilizer may be necessary after harvesting begins,
to maintain lateral shoot production. Harvesting
Broccoli is ready for
harvest when the heads, whether large or small, central or side, are well
developed, compact, and buds unopened. Any appearance of yellow petals in
the heads shows overmaturity. Insect Control
Insects that infest
broccoli, such as aphids, cabbage looper, cabbage webworm and cabbageworm,
can be controlled with carbaryl (Sevin), diazinon, malathion or naled (Dibrom).
Red spider mites can be controlled with sulfur spray or dust.
Planting
Broccoli can be transplanted
or seeded directly into the garden. If transplants are to be used, sow seed
in seedling flats, beds or pots. Seeds will germinate in 4 to 7 days and
can be ready for transplanting (4 to 6 inches high) in 4 to 6 weeks. Water
se edlings every day, preferably in the morning so that plants will dry
as soon as possible. Seedlings that are overcrowded and kept wet will often
become infected with diseases.
Transplant seedlings
3 to 4 feet apart between rows and 2 to 3 feet apart within the rows, depending
upon the varieties grown.
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Green - Seeds Co., Ltd.
81/10B Ho Van Hue Street, Phu Nhuan District, Ward 9, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Tel: +84 (8) 847 6901 - Fax: +84 (8) 844 1392 - Email: info@green-seeds.com
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