Broccoli evolved from the leafy cole crops in the Northern Meditterranean around the 6th century. The name “broccoli” comes from the Italian word “brocco,” meaning “sprout” or “shoot,” which is derived from the Latin “brachium,” meaning “arm” or “branch.” It was introduced to the USA from Italy in the 1800s but did not become popular until the 1920s. By the 1940s, broccoli had become a common vegetable in America. Today, broccoli is extensively cultivated and is an important economic crop in Europe and North America.
Broccoli (B. oleracea) is a frost tolerant, cool season annual suited to temperate and subtropical regions worldwide. It tolerates heat, with an optimal head development between 54-68 degrees F. Higher temperatures lead to poor head development and lower temperatures slow the growth down especially below 40 degrees F.
The plant has a shallow root system with a prominent taproot. Full grown plants can reach 36 inches tall and 24 inches wide.
Broccoli can be grown either by direct seeding or transplanting. For even emergence a fine seedbed is required to ensure good seed to soil contact. Most often in our area transplants are the best option since it is a very short season crop. It is recommended to transplant between February 20th and April 15th for a spring crop and August 1st to September 15th for a fall crop.
Broccoli thrives in various soils with adequate moisture and fertility. A soil pH of 5.8-6.2 is ideal. Broccoli has a high nitrogen requirement and if it is lacking you may experience plants with reduced yields, delayed maturity, and poor quality. Fertilizer is often applied at planting and again at heading, both as side-dress applications. All cole crops like broccoli like boron as well. Boron deficiency can lead to yellowing of younger leaves and terminal shoot death. When fertilizing it is best to base your fertility program on a soil sample. If no soil sample is available apply 10 lbs of 10-10-10 fertilizer per 1,000 square feet at planting. If side dressing with fertilizer, a rate of 1.50 pounds of 10-10-10 can be broadcast every 25 feet of row.
Common varieties planted include: Green Magic, Marathon, Imperial, Gypsy, Belstar, Monty and Purple Magic.
Insect problems that you may encounter would include aphids, cabbage worms, and flea beetles. Diseases to look out for would be mainly leaf spots.
When harvested keep in mind that broccoli has a short shelf life of 7-10 days. When cut it should be cooled immediately after harvest to maintain quality and shelf life. It is also better to harvest in the morning while the heads are cool. Broccoli should not be stored with ethylene producing fruits to avoid yellowing.
For more information about growing broccoli, or if you have other gardening questions, feel free to contact the N.C. Cooperative Extension, Franklin County Center at 919-496-3344.
Stay tuned for nutritional information about broccoli in the next Growing in Franklin article.
