Broccoli, also known as broccoli or cauliflower, is a popular vegetable that has gained popularity in recent years. It is characterized by its thickened stems and buds, which are consumed as edible parts. Compared to white cauliflower, broccoli offers twice the nutritional value and has a crisp texture with a fragrant flavor. It thrives in cool climates and is typically grown in autumn and winter in coastal areas. However, in recent years, our county has taken advantage of high-altitude conditions, low summer temperatures, and large day-night temperature differences to implement summer sowing and off-season cultivation in high-altitude townships (950–1200m) in Chishui and Guiyang. This approach yields about 10,000 to 12,000 kg per hectare, with high economic returns due to exports to countries like Japan. The short growth period (60–70 days after transplanting) makes it ideal for multi-crop systems. Based on our county’s experience, we now share the techniques for summer broccoli cultivation.
First, selecting quality seeds and sowing at the right time is crucial. Broccoli grows best between 16–22°C, and can tolerate a wide range from 5–35°C during the vegetative stage. However, the flowering stage requires temperatures below 25°C; above 30°C can lead to rapid bolting, reduced yield, and poor flower quality. Therefore, choosing disease-resistant and heat-tolerant varieties and scheduling planting appropriately is essential. Our county typically selects early-maturing, heat-resistant varieties such as Goldman Sachs, Pakistan Green, and Pearl Green, which mature within 55–65 days. Sowing is done in late June to mid-July at elevations above 1000 meters, and mid-July to early August at 800–1000 meters. Staggered sowing every 5–7 days ensures continuous harvests from late September to mid-November, helping to avoid competition with coastal products and maximizing profit.
Second, cultivating strong seedlings is key, especially during the hot and rainy summer season. We use nutrient bags or soil mixtures for seedling production. A standard formula includes 600–700 kg of fertile paddy soil, 30–40 kg of ash, 80–100 kg of composted manure, 0.5–1.0 kg of compound fertilizer (N:P:K=21:6:13), 3 kg of calcium magnesium phosphate, 2 kg of lime, and 15% hymexazol diluted 450 times. After mixing, the soil is sealed for 10 days. Seedlings are then placed in 8 cm × 10 cm bags and covered with fine soil. Shade nets with 65% coverage are used, and seedlings are transplanted when they reach 25–30 days old (4–5 leaves).
Third, selecting suitable land and applying base fertilizer is vital. Ideal sites have deep, well-drained soils with high organic matter, located above 800 m. Before planting, 1500–2000 kg of lime per hectare is applied, followed by deep plowing (30–35 cm). Base fertilizers include 15,000–25,000 kg of fermented manure, 2000–3000 kg of ash, 500–600 kg of potassium sulfate compound fertilizer, and 200–300 kg of calcium magnesium phosphate. Additionally, 30 kg of borax per hectare is added to meet broccoli’s trace element needs.
Fourth, proper field management, including deep ridges and appropriate spacing, helps improve light exposure and drainage. In mountainous areas with high rainfall, deep furrows (1.1–1.2 m wide, 25–30 cm high) are recommended. Plants are spaced 50–60 cm apart, with 35–40 cm between rows, totaling 2800–3200 plants per 667 m². Transplanting is done carefully using shallow holes (5–8 cm deep) to avoid stem rot.
Fifth, field management includes timely top-dressing, irrigation, and weeding. Four rounds of fertilization are usually applied, starting with diluted human urine after transplanting, followed by urea and potassium chloride at later stages. Irrigation should be frequent during dry periods, with mulching to retain moisture. Weeds are removed manually, and soil is loosened after heavy rains to prevent compaction.
Sixth, disease and pest control is critical. Seedlings are prone to damping-off and bacterial infections, which can be controlled with fungicides and bactericides. Common pests like aphids and caterpillars are managed with bio-pesticides or selective insecticides.
Finally, harvesting should occur when the flower heads are firm and bright green, before 9 AM or after 4 PM to maintain freshness. After harvesting, additional manure is applied to encourage secondary blooms, allowing multiple harvests over 2–3 cycles.
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