Broccoli Growing Guide for Central Texas
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Broccoli is a cool-season crop that thrives in Central Texas during the fall and winter months. With its rich nutritional value and versatility in the kitchen, broccoli is a must-have for your garden.
Choosing the Right Broccoli Varieties
- Standard Varieties: Green Magic, Calabrese, Waltham 29
- Sprouting Varieties: Purple Sprouting, Romanesco
When to Plant Broccoli
- Transplants: Plant in late September to early February for the best results.
- Soil Temperature: Broccoli grows best in soil temperatures between 60-75°F.
How to Plant Broccoli
- Soil Preparation: Use fertile, well-draining soil enriched with compost. A pH of 6.0-7.0 is ideal.
- Planting Depth: Transplant seedlings at the same depth as their nursery pots.
- Spacing: Space plants 18-24 inches apart in rows, with rows 24-36 inches apart.
Caring for Your Broccoli Plants
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, providing 1-2 inches of water per week.
- Fertilizing: Use a balanced fertilizer when planting and a nitrogen-rich fertilizer during the growing season.
- Mulching: Apply mulch to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
Pests and Diseases
- Common Pests: Cabbage worms, aphids, and flea beetles. Use neem oil or row covers to protect your plants.
- Diseases: Clubroot and black rot. Rotate crops and ensure proper drainage to prevent these issues.
Harvesting Broccoli
- Harvest broccoli when the heads are fully formed but before the florets begin to flower.
- Cut the main head with a sharp knife, leaving side shoots to continue producing smaller heads.