Growing Broccoli and Cauliflower in the
While
many folks grow broccoli and cauliflower as a spring garden vegetable, the
summer usually gets away from us before we think to put it in for fall.
We can grow an excellent crop with our moderate fall temperatures and
rainfall. I hope you will consider
adding these to your garden, come fall, you’ll be glad you did!
This information comes from
Broccoli
and cauliflower are two popular garden vegetables belonging to the cabbage or
cole family. Other commonly grown cole crops include Brussels sprouts, collards,
kale, kohlrabi and, of course, cabbage. These vegetables go a long way to add
variety and nutrition to the family diet.
Cole
crops are cool weather vegetables, growing best when daytime temperatures are
between 65 and 80 F. Cauliflower is more sensitive to hot weather than broccoli.
In
Both
broccoli and cauliflower do best when set out as transplants rather than planted
from seed. It is important to use sturdy transplants and that they become
established quickly or the plants may not develop properly.
All
of the cole crops grow well in reasonably fertile, well-drained, moist soils
with plenty of added organic matter. Mulch will help keep the ground cool and
moist. The pH should be between 6.0 and 7.0 for optimum growth. A pH within this
range will discourage clubroot disease and maximize nutrient availability.
Fertilizer
and lime are best applied using the results of a soil test as a guide. Contact
the Cooperative Extension office for information on soil testing. In the absence
of a soil test, 2 to 3 pounds of 8-16-16 fertilizer applied uniformly over 100
square feet of garden area is suggested. Work the fertilizer thoroughly into the
soil about two weeks before planting time.
A
liquid starter fertilizer applied to the transplants at time of planting will
help get them off to a good start. Apply a half pint of a 20-20-20 or similar
solution to each plant, preparing the fertilizer according to label directions.
All
cole crops are frost tolerant. Broccoli transplants may be set out in the garden
as early as April 5. For a fall
cauliflower crop, set out transplants on July 20th.
Broccoli may be spaced 18 inches apart in the row with 24 inches between
rows. Cauliflower requires a little more room. Set cauliflower plants 24 inches
apart in the row with 30 inches between rows.
As
cauliflower plants begin to mature and the head or curd starts to form, gather
together and tie the leaves over the curd with soft twine or tape. This
"blanching" is required to ensure the curd will be white and tender at
harvest. There are some 'self-blanching' types available where the leaves curl
naturally over the head when grown in cool weather. However, some tying of the
leaves may still be necessary.
An
even moisture supply is needed for transplants to become established and to
produce good heads. As mentioned earlier, an organic mulch will help keep soils
cool and moist, and suppress weed growth. Hand-pull or use shallow cultivation
if additional weed control becomes necessary. Apply 1 to 1.5 inches of water per
week if an equal amount of rainfall does not occur. An additional side dressing
of a nitrogen fertilizer when the plants are well-established may be desirable.
Principle
insect and disease problems are the cabbage looper and imported cabbage worm,
cabbage root maggot, aphids, flea beetles, blackleg, black rot, clubroot, and
yellows.
Harvest
the center green flower bud cluster of broccoli while the buds are still tight
and before any yellow petals begin to show. Cut the central stem five to six
inches below the head. Many cultivars will continue producing bonus side shoots
as long as a few leaves are left on the plant. This can extend the harvest
period for a month or more. Green Comet, an All-American Selection, is a good
producer of side shoots.
The
cauliflower curd, like the broccoli head, is actually a group of tightly
clustered white or purple flower buds. Harvest the curd when it reaches the
desired size but before the buds begin to separate. This is about two months
after transplanting. Cut the head so that at least two wrapper leaves are
present.