Broccoli, 'Green Sprouting'

Germination

Prepare the soil in autumn. Dig over, remove any stones, add some well rotted organic matter and firm. Broccoli do not like acidic soil so add lime if needed. For early production sow indoors in Mar-Jul, plant out from Apr with fleece protection. For direct sowing sow Apr-Jun. Sow indoors thinly into modules. Germination takes 7-12 days. Ideal temp. 10-15°C. When seedlings reach 8cm they are ready to plant out. Water the day before moving and keep watered until established. Outdoor transplanting should be 25mm deep in a drill with 30cm spacing. Direct sow 12mm deep in rows 15cm apart. Keep watered. Once germinated thin to 30cm.

Growing

Protect young plants from bird attack. Water well in dry weather, apply a mulch to conserve moisture. Feed with a liquid feed occasionally. Watch for pests and treat accordingly.

Cultivation

The heads must be harvested whilst in tight bud, this encourages side shoots to develop quickly. Use a sharp knife to cut, leaving a small stalk. Pick side shoots regularly. Regular picking extends the harvest window. Do not strip the plant in one go.