Broccoli Spring Seedling Raising Time and Seed Germination Methods
Broccoli has relatively high economic value, so more people have been growing it in recent years. To grow broccoli well, you have to start from the seedling stage. So how should broccoli be raised as seedlings to produce good broccoli? Let's take a look at broccoli seedling raising techniques together below. For spring planting, broccoli is generally raised as seedlings in February to March. Spring temperatures are low, so transplanting can be done after one month.
1. Requirements for the seedling growth environment
Broccoli likes 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 does not have strict low-temperature requirements. 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 temperatures, otherwise small heads 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, so as to avoid forming hairy heads. Therefore, the sowing period is extremely important.
2. Preparing the seedbed
The seedbed should be chosen on soil with high, dry terrain, good drainage, good permeability, and rich organic matter, and it should not have grown cruciferous crops within two years, so as to avoid worsening the degree of disease. Turn the soil 7-10 days before sowing in 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. Ridomil and Lorsban can be used 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, herbicide can be sprayed, and water should be applied to soak the seedbed thoroughly.
3. Sowing
The appropriate sowing time should be chosen according to the local climate, variety 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 room to grow, the sowing density must be well controlled. Generally, the sowing rate is 12-20 grams per mu. When sowing, it must be even. The method of direct sowing with sand and mud mixed with seeds is often used. Spread the seeds evenly 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. Broccoli sowing and seedling emergence generally takes 2-3 days, which is a short time, so management requirements are relatively high. During germination, patrol once each in the morning, midday, and evening to observe the sprouting condition of the planting, observe the dryness and wetness of the soil and the sunlight intensity. During the rainy season, drain water in time to avoid seed rot. During high-temperature periods, rely on watering to regulate the ground temperature, keeping it between 25-30°C to facilitate seed emergence. Watering is best done before noon and in the 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 in time after the cotyledons unfold.
The above is an introduction to broccoli seedling raising techniques. We hope it can help you. If you want to learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.
Broccoli seed germination methods:
1. Seed: Soak the seeds in warm water at 33°C for 15 minutes, 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. Sprouting: 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 show white sprouts.