Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Broccoli is one of the oldest of the Brassicas. It was eaten in ancient Greece over
2,000 years ago. It's still enjoyed today both in the simplest cottage and the fanciest res-
taurant. It's good hot or cold, and the florets can be used as crudités with a spicy dip.
Since it's quick and easy to prepare and versatile, you might want to give over a
good-sized patch to this valuable vegetable. It won't limit your garden because it's a
two-season crop — spring and fall — which allows you to grow a different crop in that
same spot during the summer months.
Appearance
Chinese broccoli looks like regular broccoli that didn't quite make it to maturity or
was picked too soon by an impatient gardener. The stems are long in proportion to the
flowers, and the heads are much smaller than those we are used to. The flowers are
white and larger than regular broccoli, though not so numerous.
How to Grow
Getting started. As a cool-season plant, Chinese broccoli goes into the ground either
in early spring for a late-spring crop or toward the end of summer for a late-fall crop.
Plant short-season, warmth-loving vegetables in the same spot between broccoli crops.
Figure on 14 days for germination of the seed.
Planting. Sow seeds ½ inch deep and 1 inch apart in rows 12 inches apart. Thin seed-
lings to stand 6 inches apart when they are 3 to 4 inches tall. Cooked very quickly, the
thinnings are a gardener's secret vegetable. Only a little butter and salt should be used
for this delicate dish.
Growing needs. Chinese broccoli matures quickly without much attention. Fertilize
lightly after the first three weeks, more heavily when the buds begin to form. What
broccoli needs most is plenty of water.
How to Harvest
Like regular broccoli, the flavor of Chinese broccoli is best just before the flowers open.
Pick the center buds first to encourage formation of side shoots, giving you a second
and third harvest. Always include a long stub on the stem when you cut the flowering
stalk. Once you've picked it, the flowers may open slightly, but this won't spoil the fla-
vor. Continue harvesting as long as the plant produces new buds.
Varieties
Varieties to look for: Thick Stem Winner, Blue Star, Hybrid Blue Wonder.
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