This is how vegetables grow
Like cauliflower, broccoli is a flowering vegetable because the florets of the inflorescences that are still closed form the edible part of the plant. In contrast to the related light vegetable cabbage, the flower buds of this cruciferous plant are well developed and clearly recognizable. The harvest takes place before the buds unfold.
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Premature flower development
If the winter cauliflower blooms too early, gardeners talk about shooting. This happens under unfavorable site conditions and incorrect maintenance. Broccoli needs certain stimuli to bloom. An unusually warm climate in spring causes an early growth spurt, so that the plant blooms prematurely. Cold spells after early planting in the bed also encourage the vegetables to develop more quickly. Last but not least, the supply of water and nutrients plays an important role.
Expectations
The vegetables prefer deep soils that are loose and have a high humus content. Lean and sandy soils can be improved with compost. Evenly moist substrates ensure constant growth. A higher lime content promotes plant health.
Algae lime is well suited to adapting the environment. When choosing a location, make sure that the bed is in a sunny area of the garden.How to support growth
Applying compost directly before planting ensures an adequate supply of nutrients. The heavy consumers attach importance to further fertilization as soon as the first blooms can be seen. To avoid growth disturbances, you can provide the plants with diluted nettle manure six weeks after planting out or shortly before bud formation.
Keep the soil constantly moist. If the ground dries out, the flowering vegetables react quickly with premature flower development. The risk is particularly high in hot and prolonged dry periods.
harvest
The growing season of broccoli extends for 14 to 15 weeks. The harvest takes place after seven to ten weeks, although late autumn varieties need a little more time to be ready for harvest. Cultivars that ripen over the winter will deliver after six months in the coming season Income.
When are the heads ready for harvest?
When a flower consisting of clearly recognizable and swollen flower buds has developed, the harvest window opens. The broccoli heads should still be completely closed. A yellowish tinge and loose shoots indicate an overripe condition. At this stage of development, the vegetables have an intense cabbage taste that can become unpleasant. Cut off the central bud so that additional side roses develop on the thinner side shoots.
Tips
Spray the cabbage off the evening before harvest. How to remove insects and soil particles.
