How to grow broccoli seedlings? Latest techniques and method tutorial
Broccoli has relatively high economic value, so in recent years more people have been growing it. To grow broccoli well, you have to start from the seedling stage. So how should broccoli be raised as seedlings to cultivate good broccoli? Below, let's take a look together with the editor at broccoli seedling-raising techniques.
1. Requirements for the seedling growth environment
Broccoli prefers a cool environment and is a semi-cold-tolerant crop. Its seeds have a minimum germination temperature of 3°C, an optimum temperature of 20-25°C, and a maximum of 35°C. Flower bud differentiation has low requirements for low temperature; early-maturing varieties only need an average temperature below 20°C for flower bud differentiation, but during the seedling stage they must not be exposed to low temperature, otherwise small curds will form, causing them to lose commercial value. Early and late-maturing varieties have lower temperature requirements for flower bud differentiation and are not suitable for cultivation in high-temperature seasons, to avoid forming hairy curds, so the sowing period is extremely important.
2. Preparing the seedbed
The seedbed should be chosen from soil that is high and dry, well-drained, well-aerated, and rich in organic matter, and that has not been planted with cruciferous crops within two years, to avoid worsening the degree of disease. Plow the soil 7-10 days before sowing the seedbed, then apply 25 kg of compound fertilizer per mu as base fertilizer, and then make the beds. The seedbed must undergo strict disinfection measures; you can use Ridomil and Lorsban agents to spray the seedbed thoroughly, to disinfect and sterilize as well as kill underground pests. In addition, to prevent seedlings from being harmed by weeds, you can spray herbicide, and water the seedbed thoroughly.
3. Sowing
Choose a suitable sowing time according to the local climate, varietal characteristics, and cultivation purpose. Generally, early-maturing varieties are sown in August, mid-maturing varieties in August-September, and late-maturing varieties in September-October. Because broccoli seeds are relatively small, in order to give the seedlings sufficient growing space, the sowing density must be well controlled, generally with a sowing rate of 12-20 grams per mu. When sowing, it must be even; the method of mixing seeds with mud and sand for direct sowing is often used, evenly broadcasting the seeds on the seedbed. After sowing, generally no soil covering is needed; just spray water so that the seeds and soil are in close contact.
4. Seedbed management
The most critical part of broccoli cultivation techniques is seedbed management. After sowing, broccoli generally needs 2-3 days to emerge, which is a short time, so management requirements are relatively high. During germination, inspect once each in the morning, midday, and evening to observe the sprouting situation, observe the dryness and wetness of the soil and the sunlight intensity. During the rainy season, drain water promptly to avoid seed rot. During high-temperature periods, rely on watering to regulate soil temperature, keeping it between 25-30°C to favor seed emergence. Watering is best done in the morning and evening; during periods of strong light, cover with shade netting as much as possible to cool down and prevent rain, and remove the shade netting promptly after the cotyledons unfold.
The above is an introduction to broccoli seedling-raising techniques. We hope it can help you. To learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.