Harvest Time
Broccoli is an extremely versatile plant in the cabbage family. A cool-season biennial, broccoli is usually grown as an annual vegetable due to the short growing season. When the heads reach a good size and are tight, or when the buds in the center are the right size, then the broccoli is ready to cut and harvest.
Broccoli develops at different rates in different regions due to climate factors. Cultivars grown from seed usually take 70-80 days to mature in temperate climates. When the florets have formed tightly at the top, usually around 25-26 inches tall with a four-inch flower head, it’s time to cut the broccoli heads.
Cutting Methods
The quickest way to harvest broccoli is by cutting the heads from the stems. Use a sharp knife to make a clean cut around one inch away from the stem. Immediately put the harvested broccoli heads into a cool and shady area to reduce wilting.
Removing florets individually is a slower and more labor-intensive method. Snap off the center head using your thumbs or grasp the lower edges of the head with your fingers. Pull the head away from the stem and then separate the individual florets.
Storage
If you don’t plan on consuming the broccoli soon after picking, store the heads in the refrigerator until consumed. Store the broccoli with their stems in a plastic bag with perforations, and consume within 5-6 days of storage. The perforations allow an exchange of moisture and gases for freshness.
When excessively wet, produce stored with stems may create an environment that encourages growth of microbes that can cause spoilage. Cut the stems before storage to avoid this risk. This will also help reduce water loss and allow the florets to stay fresh longer.
Preserving Freshness
Although broccoli can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days, freezing is a great option if you intend to store it longer. Freezing broccoli is the best way to keep its flavor and texture without compromising its quality. First, blanch the cut heads in boiling water for 3 to 4 minutes before transferring the heads into an ice bath. Then, dry them off and store in a sealed container with a dry atmosphere.
Health Benefits
The health benefits of consuming broccoli are virtually endless. It is loaded with vitamin A, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and vitamin K. Additionally, broccoli contains important nutrients such as potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium.
Broccoli is also very high in fiber, which helps to regulate digestion and blood sugar levels. Further, the multitude of antioxidants in broccoli have been shown to reduce inflammation and protect against oxidative stress.
Organic Growing
Growing broccoli organically is easier than you might think—all you need is the right soil and enough space for the plants. Organic soil has the perfect balance of nutrients and microbes to keep broccoli plants healthy and productive. Also, ensure there’s enough space between the plants for air circulation.
Watering the plants regularly during periods of moderate temperatures and applying natural fertilizer such as compost can further help with development. Lastly, mulching can help keep weeds at bay and add nutrients to the soil.
Pest Control
Broccoli is known to attract many pests such as aphids, cabbage whiteflies, thrips, cucumber beetles, caterpillars, and flea beetles. Neem oil applications every 5-7 days can help prevent many common pests on the broccoli plants. Spraying a natural combination of garlic, chili, and other spices can also work effectively in controlling aphids and other pesky pests.
Biennial harvesting
If you don’t want to stem your main crop, let the heads remain on the stalk over wintering — this will signal the plant to move into its biennial reproductive mode, meaning that by spring next year, you’ll be harvesting seed heads. To prevent accidental harvesting of the seed heads, lay down heavy plantings of green manure crop such as cabbage or kale which will obscure the flowers from view.
Companion Planting Benefits
Some companion plants that help protect and nourish broccoli plants include marigolds, dill, beets, onions, garlic, potatoes, nasturtiums, and carrots. These companion plants have natural defensive and pest repellent qualities, that may help discourage garden pests from attacking your broccoli crop. Plant marigolds around your broccoli to help reduce the populations of species such as aphids, thrips, and cabbage looper caterpillars.
Fungal Diseases Prevention
Proper hygiene is essential in reducing the chances of fungal diseases infecting your broccoli crop. Watering plants near the root and avoiding contact with the leaves can significantly reduce the chances of fungal diseases. Further, apply a layer of mulch around the plants and ensure the soil pH is not too acidic as this can increase the risk of infection.
Finally, be sure to plant in well-drained soil as poor drainage can create an environment that encourages disease. Also, remove any leaf or stem debris to reduce the possibility of the disease being spread to the plants.
