The best time to start broccoli seeds is 7 to 9 weeks before the last frost. If you want a winter crop in zones 8 and warmer, sow in late summer.
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Can I plant broccoli in March?
To harvest before summer heat, sow seeds march-april. When seeding indoors, start one month earlier than in July and August. Harvest seedlings in late summer or early fall. Seeds should be stored in a cool, dry place.
Should you soak broccoli seeds before planting?
It’s certainly not required to soak them first, and the seeds will grow just fine without doing this. It is possible to make broccoli seeds easier to peel by soaking them in warm water for 12 to 24 hours. If you want to remove the outer layer of the broccoli, you’ll need to use a vegetable peeler.
You can find a variety of peelers at your local grocery store, or you can make your own by following these steps. First, cut off the end of a broccoli stem. Then, using a sharp knife, slice the stem into thin strips, about 1/8-inch thick. Place the strips on a paper towel-lined baking sheet and let them dry for a few minutes, then peel them off with a pair of kitchen shears.
How do you start broccoli seedlings?
Keep the area moist by spraying it with a spray bottle. Plant seedlings in a warm, well-drained area with good drainage. Do not allow the soil to dry out during the growing season, as this can lead to root rot and other problems.
If you are planting in the spring or summer, you may want to plant the seeds a few weeks before the last frost date to ensure that they germinate in time for the next frost.
When should I start broccoli indoors?
indoors. As soon as the soil can be sown, sow seeds outdoors 2 to 3 weeks before your last frost date. Plant seedlings in a well-drained pot with good drainage. Water well, but do not overwater. Do not water more than once a week. Keep soil moist but not soggy, and keep soil temperature between 70 and 80 degrees F. (21 and 25 degrees C).
How long does it take to grow broccoli from seed?
Look at the seed packet for the number of days to maturity and follow the easy plan. The broccoli is ready to harvest between 90 and 110 days after planting. If you are growing your own broccoli, you will want to plant the seeds in the spring. You can also plant broccoli seeds indoors, but be sure to keep them away from direct sunlight and keep the soil moist.
What fertilizer is best for broccoli?
A heavy vegetable is broccoli. At planting time, make sure your soil is fertile by mixing in at least 1 inch of compost. You can also apply a high-nitrogen organic fertilizer, such as alfalfa meal or composted poultry manure, every 2-3 weeks. Plant in a well-drained, sandy or clay-rich soil with a pH of 6.0-6.5. The soil should be moist, but not soggy.
If the soil has a lot of organic matter in it, you may need to add a small amount of lime to the potting mix to help it retain moisture and prevent it from drying out during the first few weeks of growth.