Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
• for biennial varieties: overwintering strategy
GROWING FOR SEED
Broccoli is a close relative of cauliflower and what has been said for cauliflower
is valid for broccoli, though broccoli is generally easier to grow. The embryonic flowers are green or
violet and are not as tightly compressed as those of cauliflower. When growing for seed in zone 6, start
seeds and plant out as early as possible in order to harvest seed in late summer/autumn. Broccoli must
bloom by midsummer in order for seeds to have enough time to ripen, as seeds often ripen slowly. If
this is not possible in your climate, start seeds in late summer, dig up plants before the hard frosts
come, and overwinter in a root cellar.
Winter broccoli can be grown only in regions with mild winters. Seed can be sown from midsum-
mer to early autumn. Arche Noah member Monika Sahling, who lives in Tuscany and grows many ve-
getables for seed, sows broccoli seed in midspring and overwinters plants outdoors. Small broccoli
florets are ready for harvest in early spring the following year, and seedpods are harvestable by early
summer. Broccoli roses are also harvested before flower stalks begin to form. In Monika's experience,
broccoli needs less water than cauliflower.
Broccoli in bloom
SELECTION CHARACTERISTICS
• true-to-type growth pattern, color, and stalk length
• development of a large, dense rose for a single harvest or
• development of many small florets for continual harvest
• rapid growth
• plant health and disease resistance
• late blooming
CULTIVATION HISTORY
Broccoli has traditionally been grown in areas with mild climates, such as
southern and western Europe. It is presumed to have originated in southern Greece and was then
brought to Italy in the 15th century (hence its botanical name). It reached the German-speaking world
by the 17th century. Broccoli has become relatively common in home gardens across central Europe
only in the last few decades.
