Planting and caring for broccoli in open ground

Broccoli, or cabbage, is an infrequent guest in domestic gardens. Meanwhile, this plant is very tasty and healthy, and is unpretentious in care. Broccoli is grown in seedlings and without seedlings, in open and closed ground, depending on climatic conditions. We will talk about how to plant and grow broccoli in the garden.

When and how to plant broccoli in open ground with seeds

Planting material is prepared for awakening before use. To do this, the seeds are kept in hot water for 10-15 minutes, then poured into very cold water for 1-2 minutes. Afterwards they are stratified for two days in the refrigerator.

Important! To accelerate germination, stimulants are used, for example, Heteroauxin.

When to sow seeds

Broccoli ripens at low temperatures. Otherwise, it goes into flowering early, which leads to loss of yield or the formation of low-quality yellowish-colored heads.

For the middle zone, the optimal planting time is from mid to late June. Then the broccoli will form inflorescences after the August heat subsides. When planting early in spring, there is a risk of losing plants in the event of return frosts.

Important! Asparagus cabbage dies at a temperature of -4°C.

For southern regions, it is preferable to sow broccoli in early spring (in the first - second decade of March) or in early July. Then the plants will not form at high temperatures and will give a generous harvest.

How to plant correctly in the garden

The seedless method saves time and effort for summer residents, so many try to grow broccoli this way. The soil for the beds is prepared in the fall, dug deep and organic fertilizers are applied.

In spring, the soil is loosened again and well moistened. Prepared seeds are planted to a depth of 2 cm, covered with soil and mulched to prevent the soil from drying out.

After 6-7 days, the first shoots appear. Properly prepared seeds hatch together, which makes further care easier. When 2-3 true leaves appear, broccoli is thinned out, leaving the most developed and healthy plants at the rate of 4 bushes per 1 m².

Important! If there is a threat of frost, the hatched sprouts are covered with non-woven material or mini-greenhouses are created using inverted and cut plastic bottles.

Planting seedlings in open ground

A more familiar way growing cabbage - seedling. With proper care, the gardener receives strong, healthy plants that can survive transplanting into the ground without much stress. This method is also good because the plants will more easily adapt to light frosts.

How to grow seedlings

Planting material is prepared in the same way as for sowing into open ground. The soil is disinfected with a strong solution of potassium permanganate and dried. Then lightly moisten and deepen the seeds by 1.5-2 cm.

Boxes with cabbage are covered with glass or film and placed on the windowsill. During early plantings (March - April) seedlings It is necessary to provide additional lighting for 3 hours in the morning and 4-5 hours in the evening.

When to sow

For central Russia, the optimal time is the end of April or the beginning of May. For the southern regions - mid-February. In the Urals and Siberia, seedlings begin to be prepared in mid-May.

Rules for landing in a permanent place

In the European part of Russia, grown plants are planted in the ground in early June. By this time, the asparagus cabbage will have already reached 10-15 cm in height and will have become stronger in order to take root well in its permanent place.

Broccoli grows best in shaded areas. It does not tolerate extreme heat and dry soil. Goes well with fruit trees, legumes, garlic, and corn. It should not be planted next to other types of cabbage.

Good predecessors for broccoli are nightshades, cucumbers, pumpkin, and greens. Cabbage cannot be planted in one place due to the risk of damage by pests overwintering in the soil.

The beds prepared in the fall are well moistened and seedlings are planted in one of the following ways:

• in furrows at a distance of 30-40 cm from each other and with a row spacing of 60 cm;
• into nests according to the pattern 35x35x35 cm;
• in a checkerboard pattern, maintaining 30-40 cm between plants.

Any of these methods ensures uniform illumination of the cabbage and the necessary nutrition and hydration standards.

Important! After transplanting, do not water the broccoli for several days, otherwise the roots will not be able to strengthen. To prevent the soil from drying out, it is mulched with straw, grass clippings or sawdust.

Caring for broccoli in open ground

Like all cruciferous vegetables, asparagus cabbage is sensitive to fertilizing, humidity levels and light levels. Heavy soils are loosened at least 2-3 times a week, ash and organic matter are added. On light soils there is a risk of the top layer drying out, so they are mulched with hay, straw, and sawdust.

How to care after sowing

The main activities during the growing season are weed control, prevention of pests and diseases, fertilization and moisture.

Watering

Broccoli is moisture-loving, but does not tolerate stagnant water. Water it thoroughly 2-3 times a week.To prevent soil erosion, use the sprinkling method or use a watering can with small holes. The best time to water is early morning or evening. When water gets on the leaves at the height of solar activity, the plants get burned.

Top dressing

Fertilizers are applied for the first time 2-3 weeks after planting the seedlings in the ground. For this, manure diluted in a ratio of 1:6 or potassium-phosphorus fertilizers are suitable in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.

The second feeding is during the formation of inflorescences. In this phase of the growing season, broccoli needs nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers: nitrophosphate or superphosphate at the rate of 2 tbsp. l. per 10 liters of water for every 15 plants.

After cutting off the central heads, the asparagus cabbage begins to form lateral ones. At this time, it is fed with complex mineral supplements or organic matter in the form of compost.

Important! For good development of the heads, potassium, nitrogen, iron, and phosphorus are needed.

Pest Prevention

Broccoli beds are regularly cleared of weeds, which are breeding grounds for pests. If crop rotation is observed, the crop is protected from most insects that attack cabbage plantings. To enhance the effect, celery and dill are planted between the plants. This prevents the appearance of cruciferous flea beetles, cabbage aphids and whiteweed.

A decoction of tomato tops, prepared at the rate of 1 kg of leaves per 3 liters of water, works well to repel cabbage caterpillars and whiteflies.

Important! A good companion for broccoli is peppermint. It protects against many cruciferous pests.

Conclusion

Even a beginner can handle planting and caring for broccoli in open ground. She is the most unpretentious in comparison with her relatives. It's easy to grow seedling and non-seedling methods, subject to the rules of crop rotation. The use of fertilizers increases productivity, and properly selected neighbors protect against most pests.