When to Plant Broccoli for Fall Harvest
When it comes to growing broccoli, planning ahead is key to getting a successful crop in the fall. Knowing when to plant and when to harvest can ensure a steady supply of fresh heads throughout the season. The time to start growing broccoli for fall harvest all depends on your location and the weather conditions of the area.
As far as timing, you’ll want to start planting your broccoli 4-5 weeks before the first frost of the year in your area. Broccoli is a cool-season crop and does best when temperatures are between 40 and 75 degrees. Planting too early may cause the broccoli heads to bolt, resulting in a bitter taste and smaller heads.
When planting, be sure to choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil. Create small mounds about 2-3 inches high and approximately 12 inches wide. Sow broccoli seeds 1/2 inch deep in well- spaced clusters. Keep the soil evenly moist in order to encourage germination and growth. Once the seedlings are about 6 inches tall, thin them so there is about 8 to 10 inches of space between each plant.
Broccoli is a heavy feeder, so fertilize the crop every two weeks with a high-nitrogen fertilizer or a 10-10-10 fertilizer. Foliar feeding with liquid fertilizer can be beneficial as well. In addition, a regular application of compost is recommended every 4 to 6 weeks.
As your plants begin to grow heads, be sure to cover them with plastic or cheesecloth. This will help protect the heads from insects, birds and wind. You can also place cutworm collars around the base of each plant to help protect against cutworms.
Harvest your broccoli when the heads are firm and fill out the frame. Be sure to check the heads regularly, once they start to form, as they will go from tight to open quickly. If the heads become too large, they may become woody and inedible. When harvesting, cut the heads at an angle with a sharp knife.
Growing Broccoli in Warmer Climates
Broccoli may be more challenging to grow in cooler climates due to the shorter seasons. Warmer climates can have a long growing season but may present some additional challenges. If the temperature is too warm, the heads will not fill out and may not be edible. To combat this, plant in the fall when temperatures begin to cool down and water in the afternoon to keep the soil cooler in the heat of the day. Planting during the cooler months can also take some of the pressure off the plants during the warmer months.
For additional protection, create a “shade cloth” out of burlap or homemade material. This can be used to provide shade for the plants during the hottest parts of the day. This will help to keep the soil cooler, reduce the risk of bolting and the broccoli heads will develop to their full size.
Prolonging the Season
By starting your broccoli early and using floating row covers, you can extend your growing season by 1-2 weeks. Once the heads start forming, be sure to use cloches or low hoop tunnels to keep the heads from developing too quickly. Additionally, some varieties of broccoli are more tolerant to heat than others.
To ensure a steady supply of fresh heads until the first frost of the year, start new plants about 8 weeks before the first frost. This gives plenty of time for the heads to form and mature before they are ready to be harvested.
Growing broccoli inContainers
Growing broccoli in containers is a great option for gardeners with limited space. The larger the container, the better, as broccoli needs plenty of room to develop properly. A pot with a minimum size of 12 inches across is recommended. Be sure to use a quality potting soil and use a moisture meter to ensure the soil is not too dry. As with outdoor planting, use a high-nitrogen fertilizer every two weeks.
Providing more shade in the summer can be beneficial for container plants. Place the pots in the morning sun and evening shade and give it plenty of water to help keep the soil cooler. With proper care, you can enjoy a successful fall harvest of delicious home-grown broccoli.
Crop Rotation
Crop rotation is an important method for controlling pests and diseases, as it eliminates the buildup of disease-causing organisms and reduces the need for pesticides. When planning your planting schedule, avoid planting broccoli in the same spot more than once every two or three years. Move the crop to another area of the garden and replace it with a different group of vegetables each season.
Rotating your crops and using cover crops can also help to improve the soil by providing increased organic matter and reducing soil-borne diseases. Planting cover crops such as alfalfa, clover or rape can help to improve soil aeration, prevent soil erosion and add vital nutrients to the soil.
Pest Control
Maintaining pest and disease control is essential for a successful crop. Inspect your broccoli plants regularly for any signs of pests or disease. Take proper steps to remove harmful insects, such as removing any affected leaves or using an insecticide. To keep animals away, use fencing, netting or other physical barriers around the garden.
If you notice any fungal diseases, such as black spot, rust or mildew, you can use a sulfur-based fungicide to treat the affected area. It’s also important to provide adequate air circulation around the plants to reduce the risk of disease.
Harvest and Storage
Once the broccoli heads are firm and have filled out the frame, you can begin harvesting. Cut the heads at an angle with a sharp knife. Be sure to harvest all the heads, even smaller ones, to encourage side shoots to grow. The heads can then be stored in the refrigerator for several weeks.
For optimal storage, wrap the heads in plastic and store in the refrigerator. If you don’t need all of the heads, you can store the remainder in the freezer after blanching. Blanching preserves the color, texture and flavor of the broccoli and helps to keep it fresh for up to a year.
Varieties
When selecting varieties of broccoli, it’s important to pay attention to the maturity dates. Look for varieties that have a shorter maturity date so you can get a head start on the fall harvest season. Some varieties have been bred to be more tolerant to heat, insect or disease pressure. These such varieties can be beneficial if you’re gardening in a warmer climate.
In addition, there’s many different types of broccoli from which to choose. Calabrese is the most common, a variety that is known for its large heads and thick stalks. Sprouting varieties produce smaller florets, while purple varieties are highly ornamental. There’s a variety for every garden!
Conclusion
In order to get a successful crop of broccoli in the fall, planning ahead is essential. Knowing when to plant and when to harvest will ensure you have a steady supply of fresh heads throughout the season. Planting too early may result in bolting of the heads, and watering too much can create the same effect. Fertilizing, crop rotation and pest control are also important. With the right timing and care, you can enjoy a successful fall harvest of delicious home-grown broccoli.
