To ensure a successful broccoli cultivation, start by selecting mid-early and high-quality varieties that are well-suited for your growing conditions. These varieties should offer good yield potential, disease resistance, and quality characteristics.
Next, consider the sowing time and method. For greenhouse planting, it is ideal to begin in early January. When it comes to seeding methods, there are two main approaches: using nursery tray seedlings or preparing a seedbed. If you choose the latter, prepare the soil thoroughly by applying 2 kg of organic fertilizer per square meter, along with 100 g of compound fertilizer. Level the bed surface carefully. For every 667 m² of broccoli, you will need about 5 to 6 seedling beds. Before sowing, water the seedbed from below, and then sow dry seeds at a rate of 5 grams per square meter. After sowing, cover the seeds lightly with fine soil.
Once the seedlings are established, proper seedling management is essential. During the spring period, which typically spans 1 to 3 months, maintain a temperature between 20°C and 23°C in the seedbed, ensuring it does not drop below 10°C. A greenhouse environment is most suitable for this stage. About 15 days after sowing, when the seedlings have developed two cotyledons and show strong growth, they can be transplanted. Before transplanting, moisten the seedbed, and use nutrient-rich soil to help the seedlings establish quickly. During this phase, manage moisture carefully—water only when necessary to avoid excessive wetness and prevent diseases like damping-off.
When the seedlings are around 30 to 35 days old, usually in mid-to-late February, they should have 5 to 7 true leaves and be ready for transplanting. Choose strong, healthy seedlings for planting. Prepare the field by creating raised beds that are approximately 120 cm wide, and if possible, cover them with mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds. When planting, water the seedlings before transplanting, handle them gently to minimize root damage, and then water again after planting. In a greenhouse setting, space the plants 55 cm apart in rows, aiming for 2,500 to 2,700 plants per 667 m².
After planting, monitor temperature and humidity closely. During midday, if the temperature rises above 25°C, open the vents to allow air circulation and lower the temperature before closing the greenhouse again. Regularly clean the plastic film to remove dust and ensure maximum light penetration. Water the plants every 15 days, and after each watering, loosen the soil to improve aeration and promote root development. Prune any lateral branches or flowers promptly to encourage the growth of the main head.
For pest and disease control, common issues include downy mildew, brown rot, and black spot. To manage these, implement good cultural practices such as balanced fertilization, crop rotation with non-cruciferous crops, and proper seed sterilization using 40% methaldehyde. Chemical treatments may also be necessary, such as 40% etridiazole wettable powder diluted 300 times for downy mildew, 70% thiophanate-methyl WP diluted 600 times for brown rot, and 70% thiophanate-methyl wettable powder at 600 times for Sclerotinia.
Common pests like diamondback moths, cabbage caterpillars, and aphids should be monitored regularly. Use integrated pest management strategies to control infestations effectively.
Harvest broccoli when the flower heads are 12 to 15 cm in diameter, tightly packed, with small buds and a vibrant green color. Timely harvesting ensures optimal quality and marketability.
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