Stem broccoli harvest time (Full grown stem broccoli plant) – Stem broccoli when to harvest
How to grow stem broccoli in soil culture. This time, I want to harvest stem broccoli.
The stem broccoli seedlings were planted in mid-September, and the first fertilizing was in early October. The best time to plant stem broccoli is from early to mid-September. The first fertilizing for stem broccoli should be done 3 to 4 weeks after planting.
Here is the planting process of stem broccoli. After planting, we installed insect netting to prevent pests from entering.
https://www.vege-try.net/en/plant-cabbage-and-broccolini-enOnce stem broccoli and cabbage have grown to a certain extent, we supplement nutrients with additional fertilizing.
In late October, we pinched the stem broccoli and did the second additional fertilizing. (Best way to grow broccoli.)
Here is the pinching process for stem broccoli. Pinch off the central flower bud to encourage the growth of side shoots.
The 3rd additional fertilizing for stem broccoli was in mid-November. So far, it has been growing quite well.
To keep harvesting stem broccoli for a long time, you need to regularly additional fertilize to provide nutrients.
Stem broccoli harvest time. Harvest stem broccoli by snapping off the side flower buds along with the stem. If it is too hard, use scissors to cut it. The best time to harvest stem broccoli is when the side flower buds are 2-3cm (0.8-1.2 inches) in diameter. Harvest them with the stem, about 15cm (6 inches) long.
The stem broccoli harvested this time is about 18cm (7.1 inches). There were two more ready to harvest, so I picked them too.
This time, I harvested 3 stems of broccoli. I will continue to add-fertilize every two weeks and keep harvesting.
Related information on stem broccoli cultivation（Frequently Asked Questions for growing broccolini）
Do you need stakes for growing stem broccoli?
You may need stakes for stem broccoli (broccolini) soon after planting. Young stem broccoli plants have thin stems and can break in strong wind, so it’s safer to support them with stakes. A stake about 90cm (3 feet) long should be enough. Tie the stem of the broccoli to the stake with twine to keep it stable.
How long can you keep harvesting stem broccoli? (Harvest period for broccolini)
The harvest time for stem broccoli starts in late October, when you pick the main flower bud, and continues until around late February. At the beginning, you can get larger buds, but in December to January, the growth of the stem broccoli slows down, and the amount you can harvest decreases. If grown well, stem broccoli can be harvested until around March. However, as the weather warms up, it’s more likely to bloom, so be careful.
What happens to stem broccoli when it blooms?
When stem broccoli blooms, it becomes bitter. However, if the flowers have just started to bloom, it probably won’t affect the taste too much. As more flowers appear, the bitterness increases, and the stem becomes tougher, so it’s best to harvest as soon as possible.
Following is the video for how-to. English subtitles are available.