Key Points of Broccoli Seedling Raising Techniques and Seedling Stage Management Methods
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? Let's take a look at broccoli seedling raising techniques together with the editor below.
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 does not have strict low-temperature requirements; early-maturing varieties can differentiate flower buds as long as the average temperature is below 20°C, but during the seedling stage they must not be exposed to low temperatures, otherwise small curds will form, causing them to lose their 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 curds. 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 been planted with cruciferous crops within two years, so as to avoid worsening the degree of disease. The seedbed soil should be plowed 7-10 days before sowing, then 25 kg of compound fertilizer per mu should be applied as base fertilizer, and beds should be made. The seedbed must undergo strict disinfection measures; the seedbed can be thoroughly sprayed with Ridomil and Lorsban agents to disinfect and sterilize as well as kill underground pests. In addition, to avoid weed damage to the seedlings, herbicide can be sprayed, and the seedbed should be watered thoroughly.
3. Sowing
The appropriate sowing time should be selected 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 growing space, the sowing density must be well controlled. Generally, the sowing rate is 12-20 grams per mu. When sowing, it must be uniform. A method of direct sowing with seeds mixed with mud and sand is often used, spreading the seeds evenly on the seedbed. After sowing, it is generally not necessary to cover with soil; 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 require 2-3 days, which is a relatively short time, so management requirements are relatively high. During the germination period, inspect once in the morning, at noon, and in the evening to observe the seed germination situation, the soil moisture condition, 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 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 lower temperature and prevent rain, and remove the shade netting in time after the cotyledons unfold.
The above is an introduction to broccoli seedling raising techniques. I hope it can help you. If you want to learn more related knowledge, please keep following us.