Broccoli, also known as cauliflower or broccoli, is a vegetable that has gained popularity in recent years. It is valued for its edible stems and buds, which are rich in nutrients—twice as much as white cauliflower—and have a crisp texture with a pleasant flavor. This crop thrives in cool climates and is typically grown in coastal areas during the autumn and winter seasons. However, in recent years, our county has taken advantage of high-altitude regions (950–1200m) in Chishui and Guiyang, where summer temperatures are relatively low and there is a significant temperature difference between day and night. This allows for summer sowing and off-season cultivation, resulting in yields of 10,000 to 12,000 kg per hectare, which are then exported to Japan, offering high economic returns.
With a growing period of about 60 to 70 days after transplanting, broccoli is well-suited for multi-crop systems. Based on our county's experience, we now share key techniques for successful summer broccoli cultivation.
First, selecting quality seeds and timely sowing is crucial. Broccoli prefers temperatures between 16–22°C during growth, but can tolerate a wider range of 5–35°C. However, flower bud formation requires temperatures below 25°C, as higher temperatures can lead to rapid flowering, reduced yield, and poor-quality flower heads. Therefore, choosing heat-resistant and disease-resistant varieties is essential. In our area, we often use early-maturing varieties such as Goldman Sachs, Pakistan Green, and Pearl Green, which take 55–65 days from transplanting to harvest. Sowing is done in late June to mid-July at higher altitudes (1000–1200m), and mid-July to early August at lower altitudes (800–1000m). Staggered sowing every 5–7 days ensures a continuous harvest from late September to mid-November, allowing us to sell before the main coastal crops arrive, thus maximizing profit.
Second, nurturing strong seedlings is vital, especially during the hot and rainy season. We use nutrient-rich bags or soils, made from a mix of fertile paddy soil, ash, decomposed manure, compound fertilizer, and lime. After disinfection, the mixture is sealed for about 10 days before use. Seedlings are transplanted when they are 25–30 days old, with 4–5 leaves and one heart. This helps ensure healthy and vigorous plants ready for transplanting.
Third, selecting the right field and preparing the base fertilizer is important. Fields should be at least 800m above sea level, with deep, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Before planting, lime is applied to adjust soil pH, and deep plowing to 30–35cm is carried out. A full layer of base fertilizer is added, including fermented manure, ash, and compound fertilizer, along with borax to meet the plant’s trace element needs.
Fourth, proper ridge-making and spacing help improve air circulation and drainage. Ridges are 1.1–1.2m wide with 25–30cm height, and ditches are kept 50–60cm deep. Early maturing varieties like Goldman Sachs are planted at 50–60cm spacing with 35–40cm between rows, totaling 2800–3200 plants per 667m². Careful transplanting ensures roots are not damaged, and shallow planting avoids stem rot.
Fifth, field management includes regular top-dressing, irrigation, and weed control. Four rounds of fertilization are recommended, with each application timed to support growth stages. Irrigation is critical, especially during dry periods, and mulching with rice straw helps retain moisture. Weeds are removed by hand, and soil is loosened after heavy rains to prevent compaction.
Sixth, disease and pest prevention is essential. Seedling diseases like damping-off are controlled using fungicides, while bacterial diseases are managed with antibiotics. Pests such as aphids and caterpillars are treated with bio-pesticides or selective chemical sprays.
Finally, timely harvesting is crucial. Broccoli is harvested when the flower head is 12–15cm in diameter, firm, and bright green. Harvesting is done early in the morning or late afternoon to maintain quality. After harvest, additional manure is applied to promote secondary growth, enabling multiple harvests over 2–3 cycles.
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