Detailed Explanation of Broccoli Planting and Cultivation Techniques and Key Points

I. Variety Selection

Based on variety characteristics, early and medium-maturing varieties can be selected as the main varieties for side shoot production, such as Youxiu, Lufeng, etc.

II. Planting Density

After the main curd is harvested, the plant shape must be appropriately spread out to facilitate the growth and development of side shoot curds. Therefore, varieties intended for side shoot harvesting should be planted at a moderate density; planting too densely will cause poor ventilation, resulting in thin and weak side shoot curd stalks that easily spread open and affect quality. Generally, a plant spacing of 55 cm and row spacing of 60 cm, i.e., 2100 to 2200 plants per mu, is suitable.

III. Fertilizer and Water Management

After the main curd is harvested, the base fertilizer and early top-dressing have been basically consumed, so side shoot fertilizer must be applied when harvesting side shoots. Generally, after 60 to 70 percent of the main curds are harvested, side shoot fertilizer is applied, which can both meet the needs of side shoot growth and increase the marketable rate of the main curds. Top-dressing is mainly applied per plant, with 10 to 15 kg of urea and 10 kg of compound fertilizer per mu. After the first batch of side shoots is harvested, if the side shoots are still growing vigorously, about 10 kg of urea per mu can be applied again to harvest the second batch of side shoots. In this way, 4 to 5 batches of side shoot curds can be harvested, with a total yield of about 500 kg per mu. The soil should be kept moist throughout the growing period, but water should not accumulate in the field.

IV. Pest and Disease Control

For exported broccoli, spraying pesticides is prohibited once the curd begins to show buds. In the later stages of plant growth, there are more pests and diseases, and special attention should be paid to pest and disease control when harvesting side shoots. The main diseases in the later stage of broccoli include black rot (controlled with 80 percent Bibei 600x solution), downy mildew (controlled with 50 percent Shiyun 1500x solution), and sclerotinia (controlled with 50 percent Xiu'an 1000x solution). The main pests include diamondback moth (controlled with 5 percent Cascade 1200x or 24 percent Leitong 2500x solution) and cabbage caterpillar (controlled simultaneously when controlling diamondback moth).