Broccoli Essentials

• Two broccoli crops a year are possible in many areas.
• Start spring transplants indoors 5 to 7 weeks before the last spring frost date, or buy nursery transplants 3 weeks before the last spring frost date.
• Plan to seed fall crops 85 to 100 days before the average first fall frost date.
• Where the weather is warm, select a variety that is bolt resistant.

• Add 3 to 4 pounds of 5-10-10 or its equivalent per 100 square feet before planting.

• Set out transplants 3 to 4 weeks before the last spring frost.
• Set the transplants 6 to 18 inches apart, with 20 to 36 inches between rows, depending on the fertility of the soil.
• Protect transplants from hard frosts with newspapers, plastic cones, paper bags, or baskets. Provide a windbreak to reduce transplant shock and moisture loss.
• For fall crops, direct seed the broccoli in the garden. Sow the seeds 1/4 inch deep, 2 to 4 seeds per foot of row, leaving at least 20 to 36 inches between rows, depending on soil fertility.

• Thin direct-seeded seedlings when they are 4 inches tall. In rich soil, thin seedlings to stand 6 to 12 inches apart. Where soil is of average fertility, thin seedlings 12 to 18 inches apart.
• Side-dress each plant 3 weeks after setting out transplants or 5 weeks after sowing from seed with 1 tablespoon of fertilizer high in nitrogen.
• See our article Summer's Bad Guys by Charlie Nardozzi for controls of common broccoli pests such as flea beetles, cabbageworms, and cabbage loopers.

• Harvest for peak quality when the buds of the head are firm and tight. If buds start to separate and the yellow petals inside start to show, harvest immediately.

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