Description
Botanical name
Brassica oleraceae var. italica
Family
Brassicaceae
Requirements
Best in full sun. pH around 6-6.8
Pests
Leaf spot, downy mildew and black rot, as well as cabbage worms, cutworms and aphids.
Growing
Since broccoli has a very shallow root system, avoid digging the soil around the plants to weed. Water regularly (about 5 cm/2″ per week), but avoid watering the flower heads. Mulch to conserve soil moisture and reduce the soil temperature. Harvest when the main head gets to 7.6 cm (3″) in diameter, harvest the head. This will encourage large numbers of side florets.
Harvest
50-85 days
Season
Cool, annual
Links
Recipes from Mariquita Farm
