Broccoli Planting Time and High-Yield Cultivation Methods Explained in Detail

I. Planting Time

Broccoli is mainly cultivated in autumn and spring. For autumn cultivation, sowing is generally done in early July, and harvesting can be done in mid-September. For spring cultivation, sowing is generally done in mid-March, and harvesting can be done in early June. If grown in a greenhouse, it can be done all year round, as long as the temperature is properly regulated. However, more vegetable growers plant in March.

II. Cultivation Methods

1. Plot Selection

Choose a plot with high, dry terrain, good drainage, and fertile soil for planting, and sow at the appropriate time in early July.

2. Land Preparation and Fertilization

Before sowing, plow deep and build raised beds. Apply 500 kg of decomposed organic fertilizer and 15 kg of high-concentration ternary compound fertilizer per mu as base fertilizer. Water thoroughly 1 day before sowing, broadcast sow, cover with fine soil after sowing, and press firm so the seeds make full contact with the soil.

3. Water and Fertilizer Management

Water once a day for three to four days after transplanting. After the plants are established, reduce watering, then keep the soil alternating between dry and moist. Fifteen days after transplanting, apply 15 kg of ternary compound fertilizer per mu; 30 days after the first fertilization, apply another 10 kg of urea and 10 kg of ternary compound fertilizer per mu; after the heart leaves begin to curl inward, apply 20 kg of ternary compound fertilizer, 10 kg of urea, and 20 kg of potassium chloride per mu, to ensure there is no fertilizer shortage during the heading stage.

4. Pest and Disease Control

The main diseases are damping-off and downy mildew, which can be controlled with 72% Kelu at 600 times dilution and 50% carbendazim at 500 times dilution, respectively. The main insect pests are aphids, cabbage caterpillars, diamondback moths, and beet armyworms. Aphids can be controlled by spraying 10% imidacloprid at 2000 times dilution, and diamondback moths can be controlled by alternating 1500 times dilution of Yitaibao and 1000 times dilution of 2.5% Caixi.

5. Harvesting

For preserved fresh curds, harvest when a single curd weighs 250-300 g; for large curds, harvest when a single curd weighs 750-1250.