How to Get the Best Yield from Bunching Broccoli

Bunching broccoli, also known as sprouting broccoli, is a fantastic addition to any garden, providing multiple harvests of tender, flavorful florets. To achieve the best yield from your bunching broccoli, follow these detailed instructions.

Planting

Site Selection

1. Sunlight: Choose a site with full sun, at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
2. Soil: Ensure the soil is well-draining, rich in organic matter, and has a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
3. Spacing: Space plants 12-18 inches apart in rows that are 18-24 inches apart to allow ample room for growth and air circulation.

Soil Preparation

1. Amendments: Incorporate compost or well-rotted manure into the soil to improve fertility.
2. Fertilisation: Apply a balanced fertilizer (such as 10-10-10) at planting time according to package instructions. See QPS A&B Pro-Feeder.

Planting

1. Timing: Sow seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date or directly in the garden 2-4 weeks before the last frost.
2. Depth: Plant seeds 1/4 inch deep. If transplanting, ensure seedlings have 4-6 true leaves before moving them to the garden.

Growing

Watering

1. Consistency: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply to encourage strong root development.
2. Mulching: Apply mulch around the plants to retain soil moisture and regulate temperature.

Feeding

1. Regular Feeding: Side-dress plants with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer (such as blood meal or fish emulsion) every 3-4 weeks.
2. Foliar Feeding: Spray a diluted liquid fertilizer on the leaves if the plants show signs of nutrient deficiency.

Pest and Disease Management

1. Monitoring: Regularly check for common pests like aphids, cabbage worms, and flea beetles.
2. Control: Use organic pesticides or introduce beneficial insects to manage pests. Remove any diseased leaves promptly.

Harvesting

First Harvest

1. Initial Cut: When the first central head reaches about the size of a 50-cent piece, cut it off with a sharp knife. Make the cut just below the head, leaving the plant intact.
2. Timing: This first cut encourages the plant to produce multiple side shoots, increasing overall yield.

Subsequent Harvests

1. Regular Picking: Harvest the side shoots regularly when they are about the size of a 50-cent piece. Frequent picking encourages the plant to produce more shoots.
2. Proper Technique: Use a clean, sharp knife or scissors to cut the shoots. Avoid pulling or twisting the shoots, which can damage the plant.

Maintenance

Continuous Care

1. Watering: Maintain consistent moisture throughout the growing season.
2. Fertilizing: Continue side-dressing with nitrogen-rich fertilizer every 3-4 weeks.

Season Extension

1. Protection: Use row covers or cloches to protect plants from early frost or harsh weather, extending the growing season.
2. Succession Planting: For a continuous harvest, plant new broccoli seedlings every 2-3 weeks during the growing season.