Broccoli Cultivation Information Guide

Introduction to Broccoli Cultivation:- What is Broccoli? Well, Broccoli is one of the edible green vegetable plants in the cabbage family whose large flowering head is cooked or eaten as a vegetable. When it comes to Broccoli plant description, it has large flower heads which are green colour and arranged in a tree-like structure branching out from a thick, edible stalk. These flower heads are surrounded by leaves. As we all can say is broccoli vegetable resembles cauliflower, which is a different cultivar group from the same species. Broccoli can be consumed in raw or boiled or steamed or stir- fried state. Broccoli is one of the most nutritious vegetables in the world and is an excellent source of magnesium, iron and calcium apart from vitamin ‘A’ and ‘C’. The word “Broccoli” comes from the Italian plural of ‘Broccolo’ meaning “the flowering top of a cabbage”. Broccoli can be grown in containers, indoors, pots, greenhouses, polyhouse and shade nets. Growing Broccoli hydroponically is also a good idea of getting excellent yields. Commercial cultivation of Broccoli is picking up in recent years especially in Asian countries. The following article is all about growing this wonderful ‘Broccoli’ vegetable.

Broccoli Seedlings.

Scientific Name or Botanical Name of Broccoli:- Brassica oleracea.

Family Name of Broccoli:- Brassicaceae.

Genus of Broccoli Plant:- Brassica.

Common Names of Broccoli:- Wild cabbage, Headless cabbage, Chinese broccoli, White flowering broccoli, Jie lan cai, Gai lan (Chinese), Chinesischer Brokkoli (German), Kailan (Malay), Bróculi chino (Spanish), Broccoli de Chine (French), Kairan (Japanese),Phak khana (Thai), broccolo (Italian), brukuuli (Arabic), hari phool gobhi (Urdu), ανθοκράμβη / brókolo (Greek), Broccoli (Swedish), Brókkoli (Russian), brokolice (Czech), and Brokoli (Turkish). Broccoli in Indian Languages:- Hari Phool Gobi (Hindi), Green Cauliflower / Chinese Cauliflower / Broccoli (Telugu), பசை் சப் கே் காם / Pachai Pookosu / Green Cauliflower (Tamil), قرাকিল (Bengali), Broccoli (Malayalam), Brocolli / Chinese Cauliflower (Kannada), Hari Phool Gobi / Brocolli (Bengali), Sabuja kobi (Oriya), Hari Phool Gobi / Brocolli (Gujarati) and Broccopli / Hari Phool Gobi (Marathi).

World Top 10 Production Countries of Broccoli:- The following are the top ten production countries of Broccoli.

1. China
2. India
3. Spain
4. Mexico
5. Italy
6. France
7. United States
8. Poland
9. Pakistan
10. Egypt

Health Benefits and Uses of Broccoli:- The following are some of the health benefits of Broccoli.

Health Benefits of Broccoli.

• Broccoli is an excellent source of minerals, and vitamins
• Regular consumption of Broccoli may prevent from certain type of cancers
• Broccoli is a very good detoxifies due to the presence of vitamin ‘C’, sulphur and amino acids
• Broccoli is very good for skin health (helps to maintain healthy and glowing skin)
• Broccoli has anti-aging properties
• Broccoli prevents constipation because of its fiber content. It also reduces other stomach dis-orders
• Broccoli is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids which can reduce bad LDL and help preventing from heart stroke
• Broccoli is good for eye health due to the presence of beta-carotene
• Broccoli helps to boost the immune system
• Broccoli is good for bone health
• As broccoli is a good source of iron, it is good remedy against anemia

Nutrition values in Broccoli: The following chart is based on 100 grams of edible parts of raw Broccoli.

• Energy 141 kJ (34 kcal)
• Carbohydrates 64 grams
• Sugars 7 grams
• Dietary fiber 6 grams
• Fat .37 grams
• Protein 82 grams
• Water 30 grams
• Vitamin ‘A ’equivalent .31 μg (3%)
• – Beta-carotene 361 μg (3%)
• – Lutein and zeaxanthin 1121 μg
• Thiamine (Vitamin B1) 071 mg (5%)
• Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) 117 mg (8%)
• Niacin (Vitamin B3) 639 mg (4%)
• Pantothenic acid (B5) 573 mg (11%)
• Vitamin ‘B’ 175 mg (13%)
• Folate (Vitamin B9) 63 μg (16%)
• Vitamin ‘C’ 2 mg (149%)
• Vitamin E (5%) 0.78 mg
• Vitamin K (97%) 101.6 μg
• Calcium 47 mg (5%)
• Iron 73 mg (6%)
• Magnesium 21 mg (6%)
• Phosphorus 66 mg (9%)
• Potassium 316 mg (7%)
• Zinc 41 mg (4%)

Varieties / Types (Cultivars) of Broccoli:- Actually there mainly two types of broccoli are widely grown.

Heading Type (Green): Heading broccoli forms curd like cauliflower which is in green colour.

Head Type Broccoli.

Sprouting Type (Green and Purple): This type of broccoli contains a group of green immature buds & thick fleshy flower stalk which can form the head. This type more popular in Asian countries such as India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan.

Sprouting Purple Broccoli.

Even though these are 2 main types of broccoli, the following are also grown in some regions of the world.

Romanesco varieties: This type produces elegantly swirled heads composed of symmetrically pointed spirals. These large plants require good space, fertile (nutrient rich) soil and good climatic growing conditions for better yield.

Broccoli raab: This type of broccoli is grown for its immature flower buds, which have a stronger flavor than regular broccoli. Broccoli raab which is closely related to turnips is popular in Asian and Italian kitchens. Some popular varieties of Broccoli are Green King, Belstar, Calabres, Shigemori, Marathon, Blue Wind,  Amadeus, Green Pia, Sonata, Waltham 29, De Cicco, Diplomat, Pinnacle Tender Green, Arcadia, Gypsy, Fiesta, Express, KTS-I, Solan Green, Lucky, Pushpa, Aishwarya, and PalamVichitra.

Note: There are many hybrid commercial high yielding broccoli varieties grown throughout the world. However, we cannot list them all here and it is always advised to find out good variety suitable to your local conditions.

Climate Requirement for Broccoli Cultivation:- Broccoli is a cool season annual crop and can be cultivated both in spring and fall. In case of greenhouse farming, this crop can be grown throughout the year. The best growing temperature for broccoli is around 18 to 20°C. For better germination, the ideal soil temperature is about 20 to 22°C. Broccoli crop is very sensitive to low and high temperatures of the regions. However, there are some improved varieties which can tolerate high temperatures to some extent.

Soil Requirement for Broccoli Cultivation:- Selection of site/soil is very important task for commercial cultivation of broccoli. Broccoli can be grown in wide range of soils from light sandy loams through to heavy clay loams. However, this crop requires well-drained and organic matter rich soils. For best yield and healthy produce, this crop requires deep sandy loam or clay loam soil rich in organic matter along with good drainage nature. The ideal soil pH for Broccoli growing is between 6.0 and 7.0. Soils having pH less than 6.0 can be supplemented with lime. Make sure not to over lime the soil. It recommended rotating broccoli crop with other crops that are not crucifers. Commercial Broccoli farmers should go for soil analysis and testing for finding the fertility and suitability. Based on test results, it is required to incorporate any nutrients and micro-nutrients.

Land Preparation in Broccoli Cultivation:- Land should be prepared thoroughly and deeply to get the soil to fine tilth stage before planting. Remove any weeds and other dead material from the field. Ploughing and harrowing should be carried to achieve this. For single row planting and raised beds, make furrows 0.5 meter apart where as in double row planting, make 0.75 to 1.0 meter wide, 0.5 meter apart.

Propagation in Broccoli Cultivation:- Propagation of Broccoli is done by seeds. This can be direct seeding or through transplanting (Growing seedling in nurseries and transplanting in the field).However, commercially, most Broccoli seedlings are now produced by nurseries using cell trays.

Broccoli Seeds.

Seed Rate, Planting and Spacing in Broccoli Cultivation:- Seed rate and spacing depends on cultivar/variety, soil and planting method. On an average, 1 hectare land requires 400 grams to 500 grams of seed. However this depends on mainly on type of broccoli. You can buy already grown seedlings from nurseries or can sow the seeds in the nursery or on seedling bed. Usually it takes 4 to 20 days to germinate the seeds and thinning should be carried out to 3 cm after 2 to 3 days after sprouting (germination). Once seedlings reach to 4 to 5 leaf stage (Usually this happens after 4 to 6 weeks of sowing/seeding), transplant the seedlings in the main field. Plant seeds ½ inch deep, or set transplants slightly deeper than they were grown originally.

Broccoli Sprouts.

When it comes to planting distance and row spacing, within a row, space your plants 12 to 24 inches apart with 36 inches between each row. The broccoli seedlings should be watered sufficiently couple of hours before removing from seedling bed to prevent any wilting during transportation/transplanting. Do not forget to water the seedlings immediately after translating is done.

Irrigation in Broccoli Cultivation:- The frequency of irrigation depends on soil type and climate.It is important to make sure proper soil moisture throughout its growth period. The first irrigation should be given right after transplanting and subsequent irrigations should be given frequently at 8 to 10 days interval depending on soil moisture status and climate. Do not get developing heads wet when watering the plants. Provide consistent soil moisture with regular watering in drought or dry conditions and never let the soil dry. Mulching can help to prevent moisture loss and weed growth.

Manures and Fertilizers in Broccoli Cultivation:- Broccoli crop responds very well to manures and fertilizers. Well-decomposed farm yard manure (FMY) should be applied at the rate of 12 to 15 tonnes/ha. This should be done 30 days before transplanting the seedlings. The N: P: K ratio of 120:80:60 kg/ha should be applied at the time of transplanting. The nitrogen ‘N’ should be applied in split doses. After applying at the time of transplantation, remaining 1/2 dose should be applied at 30 and 45 days after transplanting.

Broccoli Flowering.

Intercultural Operations in Broccoli Cultivation:- The Broccoli crop should be kept weed free. Shallow hoeing should be carried out at 18 to 20 days after transplanting in the field to remove weeds and loosen the soil for aeration. Mulching should be done to control weed growth. Appropriate herbicides and weedicides can be used to control the weeds effectively. It is required to remove the side shoots as soon as possible to improve the yield and quality of main head.

Pests and Diseases in Broccoli Cultivation:- Controlling pests and diseases in broccoli farming is essential to ensure quality produce and high yields.

Cutworms in Broccoli Cultivation: Generally, these caterpillars hide in daytime and feed at night times. These insects can cause damage by eating the foliage (leaves) and by cutting down the young broccoli seedlings above the ground

Control measures: Destroy larvae at the early stage of the crop and try to grow paired rows of mustard after every 20 to 25 rows of the crop. If the crop is heavily infested, spray the crop with Rogoror Endosulfan @ 2 – 3 ml/liter of water

Aphids in Broccoli Cultivation: These insects suck the plant’s sap

Control measures: You can apply soapy water to all sides of plant leaves to control these aphids or Neem seed kernel extract can be sprayed at 4%

Mustard sawfly in Broccoli Cultivation: These usually feed on plant leaves.

Control measures: This can be controlled by spraying Chlorpyriphos @ 0.05%

Down mildew in Broccoli Cultivation: If the region which has moist climate, yellow patches may appear on plant leaves.

Control measures: To control this, keep the plant leaves in dry condition and make sure there is a good airflow. For better prevention, try to buy disease resistant seeds

Damping off in Broccoli Cultivation: This is a serious disease in Broccoli cultivation which affects seedlings which can droop & fall off at the collar region.

Control measures: Seeds should be treated with Thiram 3 grams / kg of seed. The broccoli seedlings should be treated with Bavistin @ Dithane M-45 @ 2 grams / liter of water

White rust in Broccoli Cultivation: This is a soil borne disease which generally caused by fungus. This disease causes plants suddenly wilt

Control measures: The soil should be drenched with Bavistin @ 1 gram / litre of water. Plant seedlings should be dipped in 0.25% Benlate suspension for 5-10 minutes before transplanting in the field

Black rot in Broccoli Cultivation: This is a seed borne disease

Control measures: Disease resistant seeds should be sown

Black leg in Broccoli Cultivation: This disease occurs mostly in moist areas where high rainfall during the growth period is expected

Control measures: Seeds should be treated with mercuric chloride @ 1 gram/1 liter water for 30 seconds

Note: Your local horticulture department is a good source of finding information about pests and diseases in Broccoli cultivation. Don’t experiment on your own without knowing the symptoms and causes.

Harvesting in Broccoli Cultivation:- Usually the Broccoli crop will be ready for picking after 75 to 90 days of transplanting in the field. However, the maturity varies from variety to variety. Use sharp knife and cut the head stem a few centimeters below the head. Don’t wait until clustered buds begin to open. Harvesting should be done in the early morning. Most cultivars (varieties) have side-shoots that will continue to develop after the main head is harvested. This allow to harvest from one plant for many weeks in the season.

Harvested Broccoli.

Post-Harvesting in Broccoli Cultivation:- After harvesting the Broccoli heads, pack them and transport to local vegetable markets or even you can sell at farm gate.

Yield in Broccoli Cultivation:- Yield of any vegetable depends on variety, soil, climate and other garden management practices. In case of Broccoli cultivation, on an average one can obtain 175 – 250 quintals/ha depending upon the variety.