Plant: Broccoli & Cauliflower

Garden Prep Pointers: 

*Select a full sun location, with well drained soil.  These plants like to be planted early in the Spring when rain is prevalent.

*Till soil thoroughly, mix in 15-15-15, or organic fertilizer (amount specified on package).

Planting Season: 

*Seeds: Start indoors mid-late March under grow-lights

*Transplants: Cincinnatians should Plant outside very end of April / Beginning of May (other regions: 2 weeks before frost free date)

Plant Selection Tips: 

*Healthy, blossom free transplants from a garden center are best, opposed to starting seedlings

*Choose compact plants, no holes on leaves, no flowering. 

*Choose plants in 3 cell packs if available.  This is a good compromise in root size and affordability.

Planting Guide:

*Plant about 24 apart, remember to leave walking room for harvesting and care

*Planting on a hill (mound) is optional to keep roots from becoming saturated

*Traditional or plastic mulch is probably not recommended in this instance.

Planting Notes: 

*Plant top of root system just barely under soil surface.

*Water thoroughly

Upkeep:

*Broccoli and Cauliflower are extremely prone to pests such cabbage loppers.  monitor plants regularly for tiny green worms and other pests. It’s more likely you’ll see holes in leaves before you see the insect.  Treat with appropriate insecticidal soap, oil or if necessary use synthetic pesticide AS DIRECTED and not on fruit to be consumed.

*Water daily.

Fruiting Habits:

            *Plants usually fruit 6-8 weeks after planting.

            *Each plant should yield about 1 large or 2-3 medium heads.

Growers Favorite Varieties:

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Grower Notes:

*Planting early is necessary due to low heat tolerance.  Planting late Spring is likely to cause bolting, a condition where the center of the plant grows rapidly and disproportionately, causing an inability to fruit or fruit well.

*A Fall planting in mid-late August should fruit well in September and October.

Fruits of Knowledge: 

*The three numbers on fertilizer represent percent Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium respectively.  For example 12-15-12 signifies 12lbs nitrogen, 15lbs phosphorus, 12lbs potassium per 100lbs applied

*Broccoli, Cauliflower, Brussel Sprouts, & Cabbage are commonly referred to as Cole Crops.