How much do broccoli seeds cost? With a detailed explanation of cultivation methods
Broccoli, also known as green cauliflower, green broccoli, or green cauliflower, is a biennial herbaceous plant of the genus Brassica in the family Brassicaceae—. It originated in the eastern coastal region of the Mediterranean. After being introduced to China at the end of the 19th century, it was first cultivated in Taiwan, China, and later in Guangdong, Fujian, Yunnan, Beijing, Shanghai and other places. It is now widely cultivated in both northern and southern China. Let us take a look below at the price of broccoli seeds and cultivation methods!
How much do broccoli seeds cost per gram?
The price of broccoli seeds is about 12 to 20 yuan per gram, but prices vary greatly depending on seed quality, variety, place of origin and market. For production, broccoli varieties should be selected that have strong plant growth vigor, dark green flower buds, few browned buds, arc-shaped round heads, few side shoots, small buds, large heads, disease resistance, heat tolerance, cold tolerance and wide adaptability, such as Youxiu, Longlu, Shanshui, Yuguan, Dongfang Lubao, Wanlu, Luxiu and other varieties, but they must meet the national grade-two seed standard before use.
What varieties of broccoli are there?
1. Youxiu: An early-maturing variety with a mushroom-shaped head and a relatively prominent top, dark green in color, single head weight 350 to 400 grams, compact head, fine buds, good marketability, relatively few side branches, suitable for early spring and autumn cultivation.
2. Weilai: An early-maturing variety, an upright type suitable for dense planting, mushroom-shaped head, relatively dark green in color, full in shape, good marketability, suitable for autumn cultivation.
3. Shanshui: A mid-maturing variety with vigorous growth and large spread, single head weight about 500 grams, semicircular, compact head, fine buds, blue-green in color, relatively poor cold tolerance, but strong stress resistance.
4. Ludaiizi: A mid-maturing variety, single head weight about 500 grams, vigorous growth, good quality, semicircular, used for both main and side heads. When fertilizer and water are excessive, it is prone to hollowing; in high temperature and rainy conditions, it is prone to "starry sky" spotting; and under frost, it is prone to purpling.
5. Shenglu: A mid-to-late-maturing variety with vigorous growth and cold tolerance, single head weight about 500 grams, semicircular, fine buds, deep green, not prone to hollowing.
Cultivation conditions for broccoli
1. Light: Broccoli likes sufficient light. When light is sufficient, the plants grow robustly and can form a strong vegetative body, which is conducive to photosynthesis and the accumulation of nutrients, making the head compact and dense, with a fresh green color and good quality. However, too strong sunlight in midsummer is also unfavorable for growth and development.
2. Temperature: Broccoli has strong cold tolerance and heat tolerance. Within the range of 5 to 20°C, the higher the temperature, the faster the growth and development. The optimum temperature for germination is 20 to 25°C, the optimum temperature for the seedling stage is 15 to 20°C, the optimum temperature for the rosette stage is 20 to 22°C, and the optimum temperature for head development is 15 to 18°C.
3. Water: Broccoli requires a relatively large amount of water during its growth process, especially during vigorous leaf growth and head formation, when it must not lack water. However, excessive rain during the seedling stage or excessively high soil moisture can easily cause black rot, black spot and other diseases. During head formation, soil moisture should be 70 to 80% of field capacity.
4. Soil: Broccoli is suitable for cultivation on loam and sandy loam with good drainage and irrigation, deep plow layer, loose and fertile soil texture, and strong water and fertilizer retention. The pH range is 5.5 to 8, with 6 being the best. Throughout the entire growth process, the N, P, K ratio is 14:5:8.
Sowing methods for broccoli
1. Sowing time: For autumn double-cover cultivation of broccoli, the sowing time is early July; for overwintering cultivation in a solar greenhouse, late July to August; for early spring cultivation in a solar greenhouse, early September to early October; for early spring cultivation in plastic tunnels and small arched sheds, November; and for spring plastic film cultivation, January.
2. Seed soaking treatment: Soak broccoli seeds in warm water at 33°C for 15 minutes while stirring constantly. Stop when the water temperature drops to 20°C, continue soaking in warm water for 4 hours, rinse clean with clear water, and then germinate.
3. Seed germination: Wrap the soaked broccoli seeds in moist cotton gauze and germinate them at 30°C. Rinse once a day with clear water, and sow when 60% of the seeds have sprouted white.
4. Seedbed selection: The broccoli seedling stage is relatively short. The seedbed should be selected in a field with high terrain, convenient drainage and irrigation, soil rich in organic matter, and where cruciferous vegetables have not been planted within two years or the previous crop was rice. The seedbed should preferably run north-south.
5. Apply sufficient base fertilizer: Deep plow 15 to 20 days before sowing broccoli. Seven to 10 days before sowing, apply 15 kg of ternary compound fertilizer plus 5 kg of superphosphate per mu, or splash-apply 2500 kg of decomposed human manure. Turn and rake the soil thoroughly, and make a sowing bed about 1.2 m wide, with a seedling field ratio of 1:20 to 30.
6. Mix with chemicals and sow: Before sowing broccoli, water the seedbed thoroughly once and apply agents such as 1000-fold phoxim. When sowing, mix the seeds evenly with an appropriate amount of sand and broadcast them evenly in the seedbed. After sowing, press with an iron shovel, then scatter a layer of medicinal soil mixed with 0.1% carbendazim and dexon.
7. Shade and heat preservation: After sowing broccoli in summer, spread a layer of shade net flat on the seedbed, set up a small arched shed, then cover with another layer of shade net for double-layer shading, moisture retention and cooling seedling cultivation. In winter and spring, use one layer of plastic film and one layer of greenhouse film for double-film covering and heat-preserving seedling cultivation.
Cultivation methods for broccoli
1. Land preparation and fertilization: Broccoli roots penetrate relatively shallowly, so it should be planted in fertile soil with good water and fertilizer retention. Generally, per mu, use 100 kg of organic fertilizer, 10 kg of urea, 25 kg of compound fertilizer and 2 kg of borax as base fertilizer. Plow the land, rake it level, open furrows and apply fertilizer.
2. Reasonable planting: When broccoli seedlings reach 6 true leaves, and when the soil temperature at a depth of 10 cm has steadily passed above 10°C, and the seedling age is 30 to 35 days, they can be transplanted. When transplanting, the soil covering the seedlings must not exceed the cotyledon scar, and must certainly not bury the growing point. After transplanting, water thoroughly.
3. Cultivation management: Within 2 days after transplanting broccoli, promptly inspect the field and fill in missing seedlings. Provide sufficient nutrients and water, loosen the soil frequently, keep the lower soil moist, cultivate appropriately, and remove weeds. Generally, cultivate once, combine deep loosening with one topdressing, and manually weed twice.
4. Topdressing method: Seven to 10 days after planting broccoli, apply 5 kg of urea and 10 kg of potassium sulfate per mu; 15 to 20 days later, apply 25 kg of compound fertilizer and 10 kg of potassium sulfate per mu; at the early stage of head formation, spray once with potassium dihydrogen phosphate, boron treasure, or a 0.05 to 0.10% solution of borax and ammonium molybdate.
5. Irrigation method: Broccoli requires slightly more water than other crops. Except for the seedling stage, when soil moisture should be properly controlled, sufficient water should be ensured during all other growth and development stages. Generally, manual furrow irrigation or mechanical sprinkler irrigation is used, and it is best to use advanced sprinkler irrigation equipment.
6. Remove side branches: For broccoli varieties grown specifically for the top head, side branches should be removed before the head appears. For varieties used for both top and side heads, more side branches grow, so generally 1 to 2 robust upper side branches are retained and the rest removed to reduce nutrient consumption.
7. Temperature management: When broccoli heads begin to form, the normal temperature is around 25°C. High temperatures of 30°C in the field must not continue for more than three days. If it exceeds three days, temperature control measures should be taken, such as manually covering the heads with leaves, using covering materials, or artificial rainfall.
8. Pest and disease control: Broccoli is prone to various pests and diseases. After transplanting, investigations should be carried out promptly to prevent the occurrence of pests and diseases. Systemic agents should be used as preventive pesticides, and fumigants and contact-killing agents as control pesticides once occurrence happens. Green, pollution-free pesticides should be used for control.
Introduction to broccoli planting time and seedling cultivation techniques
Broccoli originated in the eastern coastal region of the Mediterranean. At present, it is cultivated in both northern and southern China and has become one of the main vegetables in daily life. It is rich in nutrients, containing protein, sugar, fat, vitamins and carotene, and ranks first among similar vegetables in nutritional components. It is known as the “crown of vegetables” and has high cultivation prospects. Let us take a look below at the planting time of broccoli!
Broccoli planting time
The planting time of broccoli usually begins with sowing in autumn, growing in winter, and normally going on the market and reaching the table after Spring Festival. In spring it begins to flower, and by April to May the seeds mature. For summer and autumn seedling cultivation, seedlings are raised during the high-temperature season from August to October. At this time the temperature is generally above 25°C, sometimes with high temperatures of 30 to 35°C, along with the risk of heavy rain and hail, so shade nets are used for open-field seedling cultivation. The seedling age is generally 35 to 40 days, and sowing or direct hole sowing can be used. The seedling stage averages about 30 days, and from planting to harvest is 80 to 90 days. It has somewhat strong winter habit; when the seedling stem is 10 mm thick, it can be affected by low temperature and complete the vernalization process.
Broccoli growing environment
1. Light: Broccoli is not very strict about light requirements, but during growth it likes sufficient light. When light is sufficient, the plants grow robustly and can form a strong vegetative body, which is conducive to photosynthesis and the accumulation of nutrients, and makes the head compact and dense, with a fresh green color and good quality. Too strong sunlight in midsummer is also unfavorable for the growth and development of broccoli.
2. Temperature: Within the range of 5 to 20°C, the higher the temperature, the faster the growth and development of broccoli. The optimum germination temperature is 20 to 25°C, the optimum growth temperature for the seedling stage is 15 to 20°C, and it has strong cold tolerance and heat tolerance. The optimum growth temperature for the rosette stage is 20 to 22°C, and the optimum temperature for head development is 15 to 18°C. When the temperature is higher than 25°C, head quality tends to deteriorate, but as long as it is not damaged by freezing, the head can still grow slowly at low temperatures of 5°C or even below.
3. Water: Broccoli requires a relatively large amount of water throughout its growth process, especially during vigorous leaf growth and head formation, when it must not lack water. Even short-term drought will reduce yield. Excessive rain during the seedling stage or excessively high soil moisture can easily cause diseases such as black rot and black spot. During head formation, soil moisture at about 70 to 80% of field capacity can meet growth needs.
4. Soil: Broccoli is not strict about soil conditions, but overly poor soil leads to poor plant development and low yield and quality, while overly fertile soil can cause loose buds and hollow stems. It is suitable for cultivation on loam and sandy loam with good drainage and irrigation, deep plow layer, loose and fertile soil texture, and strong water and fertilizer retention. The soil pH range is 5.5 to 8, with 6 being the best.
Broccoli seedling cultivation techniques
1. Variety selection: Broccoli is a vegetable that prefers cool conditions. Select varieties with strong plant growth vigor, dark green flower buds, few browned buds, arc-shaped round heads, few side buds, small buds, large heads, disease resistance, heat tolerance, cold tolerance and wide adaptability, such as Japan's Youxiu, Longlu and Shanshui, or other varieties such as Yuguan, Dongfang Lubao, Wanlu and Luxiu, or choose various high-quality varieties according to market demand, but they must meet the national grade-two seed standard before use.
2. Sowing time: Autumn double-cover cultivation is sown in early July, overwintering cultivation in a solar greenhouse is sown from late July to August, early spring cultivation in a solar greenhouse is sown from early September to early October, early spring cultivation in plastic tunnels and small arched sheds is sown in November, and spring plastic film cultivation is sown in January.
3. Seed treatment
① Soaking: Soak seeds in warm water at 33°C for 15 minutes while stirring constantly. Stop when the water temperature drops to 20°C, continue soaking in warm water for 4 hours, rinse clean with clear water, and then germinate.
② Germination: Wrap the soaked seeds in moist cotton gauze and germinate them at 30°C. Rinse once a day with clear water, and sow when 60% of the seeds have sprouted white.
4. Open-field seedling cultivation
① Seedbed selection: The broccoli seedling stage is relatively short. The seedbed should be selected in a field with high terrain, convenient drainage and irrigation, soil rich in organic matter, and where cruciferous vegetables have not been planted within two years or the previous crop was rice. The seedbed should preferably run north-south.
② Apply sufficient base fertilizer: Deep plow 15 to 20 days before sowing. Seven to 10 days before sowing, apply 15 kg of ternary compound fertilizer plus 5 kg of superphosphate per mu, or splash-apply 2500 kg of decomposed human manure, to ensure sufficient nutrient supply during the seedling stage. Turn and rake the soil thoroughly, and make a sowing bed about 1.2 m wide, with a seedling field ratio of 1:20 to 30.
③ Mix with chemicals and sow: Before sowing, water the seedbed thoroughly once, and apply agents such as 1000-fold phoxim to prevent underground pests. When sowing, mix the treated seeds evenly with an appropriate amount of sand and broadcast them evenly in the seedbed. After sowing, press with an iron shovel, then scatter a layer of medicinal soil mixed with 0.1% carbendazim and dexon.
④ Shade and heat preservation: In summer, spread a layer of shade net flat on the seedbed, set up a small arched shed, then cover with another layer of shade net for double-layer shading, moisture retention and cooling seedling cultivation. In winter and spring, use one layer of plastic film and one layer of greenhouse film for double-film covering and heat-preserving seedling cultivation.
5. Nutrient solution seedling cultivation: Nutrient solution seedling cultivation is currently a relatively good seedling method. It has the characteristics of low cost, convenient management, high seedling survival rate and centralized seedling supply, and is welcomed by production and processing enterprises.
① Substrate: 25% vermiculite, 65% peat, 10% perlite.
② Substrate stacking and disinfection: After fully and evenly mixing all raw materials, evenly spray 50 to 100 times formalin (40% formaldehyde) onto the substrate, then cover tightly with plastic film. After sealing for 4 to 5 days, uncover the film for ventilation, and turn the nutrient soil so that the formaldehyde volatilizes. It can be used after 2 weeks. The pH of the substrate also needs to be adjusted to 6.5 to 7. If too acidic, adjust with lime; if too alkaline, neutralize with dilute hydrochloric acid.
③ Sowing: Fill the plug tray with substrate, water thoroughly, then use a special hole-punching machine to make sowing holes, use a seeder to sow the seeds into the sowing holes, and cover with substrate.
When is the best time to plant broccoli? Broccoli planting time and methods
Broccoli, also known as green cauliflower, green broccoli, etc., is a plant of the genus Brassica in the family Brassicaceae. Broccoli is one of the main vegetables in daily life, with a unique flavor and rich nutrition. It has long been known as the “crown of vegetables” and has high edible and cultivation value. So, when is the best time to plant broccoli? The planting time and methods of broccoli are introduced below.
Image: Broccoli
I. Broccoli planting time
The planting time of broccoli usually begins with sowing in autumn, growing in winter, and normally going on the market and reaching the table after Spring Festival. In spring it begins to flower, and by April to May the seeds mature. For summer and autumn seedling cultivation, seedlings are raised during the high-temperature season from August to October. At this time the temperature is generally above 25°C, sometimes with high temperatures of 30 to 35°C, along with the risk of heavy rain and hail, so shade nets are used for open-field seedling cultivation. The seedling age is generally 35 to 40 days, and sowing or direct hole sowing can be used. The seedling stage averages about 30 days, and from planting to harvest is 80 to 90 days. It has somewhat strong winter habit; when the seedling stem is 10 mm thick, it can be affected by low temperature and complete the vernalization process.
II. Broccoli planting methods
1. Land preparation and fertilization:Broccoli requires relatively many and complete nutrients, but its root system penetrates relatively shallowly. Therefore, it should be planted in fertile soil with good water and fertilizer retention, and attention should be paid to applying base fertilizer. Generally, per mu, use 100 kg of organic fertilizer, 10 kg of urea, 25 kg of compound fertilizer (15% each of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) and 2 kg of borax as base fertilizer. Plow the land, rake it level, open furrows and apply fertilizer, with the width between furrows being 50 to 70 cm in large and small ridges.
Image: Broccoli
2. Variety selection:Broccoli is a vegetable that prefers cool conditions. Select varieties with strong plant growth vigor, dark green flower buds, few browned buds, arc-shaped round heads, few side buds, small buds, large heads, disease resistance, heat tolerance, cold tolerance and wide adaptability, such as Japan's Youxiu, Longlu and Shanshui, or other varieties such as Yuguan, Dongfang Lubao, Wanlu and Luxiu, or choose various high-quality varieties according to market demand, but they must meet the national grade-two seed standard before use.
4. Seed treatment:For ordinary broccoli seeds, remove moldy seeds, shriveled seeds, insect-damaged seeds, etc., or use coated seeds. Imported seeds can be used directly. At present, broccoli seedling cultivation generally uses open-field, plug tray or plastic pot, or nutrient solution seedling cultivation.
5. Sowing method:Before sowing, water the seedling bowls filled with soil thoroughly, and sow after 1 to 2 days. Use imported or domestic seeds, using manual spot sowing or mechanical sowing. Each packet of seeds is 10 to 15 grams and sows 0.8 to 1 mu of land, and can raise 160,000 to 170,000 plants per mu. Use a finger to press a small hole in the middle of the seedling bowl, and place one seed in each small hole (ordinary seeds can have at most two seeds per hole).
Image: Broccoli
6. Reasonable planting:When seedlings have 4 to 5 leaves, begin planting in the open field. A small arched shed is needed in the open field. For autumn sowing, seedlings should be raised in the open field in early July, covered with shade net after sowing, and the shade net should be removed promptly after emergence. Spray chemicals to prevent damping-off disease and underground pests. For autumn seedling cultivation, the seed quantity can be slightly more than in spring. When the seedling age is 25 days and the seedlings have 4 leaves and 1 heart leaf, they can be transplanted to the open field. In spring, 2700 to 3000 plants per mu; in autumn, 2000 to 2500 plants per mu. When planting, water once with rooting water.
7. Field management:(1) In spring, broccoli should be ventilated by opening holes according to weather changes, or the small arched shed should be removed. After removing the film, weed promptly, and spray chemicals as needed to prevent insects and treat diseases, and carry out topdressing. Generally, apply 40 kg of ammonium sulfate and 10 kg of potassium fertilizer per 667 square meters; (2) After planting broccoli in autumn, promptly water once to help seedlings recover, and weed on time. In the mid-term, combine cultivation with topdressing. Open furrows and earth up around the roots to prevent drought and waterlogging, observe carefully, promptly control pests and diseases, and promptly prune and remove side branches. Removing thin and weak side branches can save nutrients for the growth of the main head.
8. Harvest:Before harvesting the top head, according to soil fertility conditions and the growth of side branches retained during pruning, apply an appropriate amount of topdressing combined with watering 7 to 10 days before harvesting the main head, so as to harvest larger side-branch heads, extend the harvest period and increase yield. Mainly aiming at heads similar to the main head, generally 1 to 2 side-branch heads can be retained per plant, and according to quick-freezing requirements, 4 to 6 side branches can be retained. According to our experimental results, each 667 square meters can increase income by 200 kg, and the high-quality flower rate can reach about 30%.
[Editor's concluding remarks]Broccoli requires a relatively large amount of water throughout its growth process. Even short-term drought will reduce yield, so attention should be paid to this. The above introduces the planting time and methods of broccoli for everyone, and we hope it can be helpful to everyone!