How does Broccoli Grow?

Broccoli is a green vegetable that belongs to the cabbage family. It is known for its high nutritional content, including vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin A, folate, potassium, and fiber. In addition, broccoli is also known to have high antioxidant properties and can help protect the body from free radicals.

To grow broccoli, some preparations are required beforehand. Here are the steps on how to grow broccoli:

1. Prepare the land
Provide a spacious and open area so that sunlight can easily reach the broccoli plants. Make sure that the soil to be used has been plowed and mixed with manure or compost. Also, improve the drainage of the land so that water can easily seep into the soil.

2. Choose healthy seedlings
When buying broccoli seedlings, make sure to choose healthy and defect-free ones. Choose seedlings that have fresh and thick green leaves, plants with sturdy stems and vigorous sprouts.

3. Plant the seedlings
Make planting holes around 2-3 cm and 30 cm apart from each other. After that, insert the broccoli seedling into the hole and flatten the soil around the seedling. Make sure the seedling is deep enough and firmly wedged in the soil.

Additional Tips on Growing Broccoli

• Do not grow broccoli in soil that is too dense or heavy. Broccoli needs soil that is loose and porous so that the roots can grow properly.
• Broccoli grows well in places that receive full or partial sunlight. Make sure the plant gets enough sunlight to grow properly.
• Broccoli needs sufficient water to grow vigorously, but don't water the plant too much. Water the plant regularly, especially during the dry season.
• Fertilize with organic fertilizer or compost to provide sufficient nutrients for the broccoli plants. Give fertilizer at the beginning of the growth period to help the plants grow well.
• Do not plant broccoli close to other plants that also require nutrients. Other plants can take the nutrients needed by broccoli and hinder its growth.
• Trimming the leaves on broccoli plants can help increase ventilation and light that enters the plant. Trimming can also help prevent the spread of diseases and pests.

Broccoli needs regular care to grow well. Here are some broccoli maintenance tips you can do:

• Water the broccoli regularly, especially during the dry season. Make sure the soil remains moist but avoid over-watering, which can cause the roots to rot.
• Feed the broccoli with organic fertilizer or manure every few weeks. Make sure not to feed too much fertilizer as it can damage the plant's roots.
• Clean up weeds and insects around the broccoli plant regularly. Weeds can compete with the plant for resources and nutrients, while insects can damage the plant.
• Make sure the broccoli plants are not too dense by cutting off some of the older stems if necessary. This will help air flow and minimize the risk of fungal infection.

Broccoli takes about 50-70 days to mature and be ready for harvest. The plant will grow vigorously and reach a height of around 60-90 cm. When the broccoli has grown big enough, the stem containing the broccoli head can be harvested.

After harvesting broccoli, the leaves and stems can still be used. You can cut the leaves and stems to be cooked and used as a vegetable. Alternatively, broccoli leaves and stems can be used to make broth or soup.