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If you're growing broccoli in your garden, you'll want to know when to harvest it. The timing is important, as picking too early or too late can affect the taste and quality of the broccoli. Here's a guide to help you determine when your broccoli is ready to be picked.

What is broccoli

Broccoli is a green vegetable from the  cabbage, cauliflower, and kale family. Broccoli is a good source of fiber and vitamins C and K. It can be eaten raw or cooked. It also contains important nutrients such as potassium, magnesium, and calcium. Broccoli is a good source of antioxidants, which can help protect the body against disease. It has anti-inflammatory properties and may help to reduce the risk of cancer. Broccoli can be steamed, boiled, or roasted.

When to harvest broccoli

When harvesting broccoli, it's important to time it just right. If you harvest it too early, the broccoli won't be as flavorful. If you harvest it too late, the broccoli will be tough and fibrous. To determine when to harvest broccoli, you must keep the following factors in mind.

Time

Broccoli is a cool-weather crop that can be harvested at the time period specified by the seed packet. You can always mark broccoli planting date on your calendar to help you know when to start looking for harvest-ready plants.

Generally, broccoli can be harvested anywhere between 55 and 85 days after you sow broccoli seeds, so it's best to keep an eye on the plants for maturity. The time of year when you plant your broccoli will also determine when broccoli is ready to harvest. If you're planting in the spring, then you can expect to harvest sometime between late summer and early fall.

Size

Broccoli should be picked before it grows too large. The larger the broccoli’s central head, the tougher its texture and less flavorful the taste.

A broccoli harvest can vary in size depending on the age of the broccoli at harvest. The smaller the broccoli, the more harvests you will get. With proper care, a broccoli plant can produce 1-2 pounds of broccoli. The size of the broccoli head will also affect the size of the harvest. A 3-4 inch head will yield about 1/2 pounds, while a 6-8 inch head will yield about 1 1/2 pounds.

How to Harvest Broccoli

Cut the fresh broccoli heads off the plant using a sharp knife. Make sure to cut close to the stem so that the broccoli head can be harvested while intact. To harvest broccoli, cut the stem about an inch below the bud.

Can you harvest the leaves too?

Yes, leaves can be harvested. Broccoli leaves are packed with nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin C, and calcium. They can be eaten raw or cooked. You can either chop them up and add them to your salad or cook them in a stir-fry.

How many times can you harvest broccoli?

Broccoli is a cool-weather crop that can be harvested several times before it goes to seed. The first harvest can be done about 60 days after planting, and subsequent harvests can be made about 20 days apart.

If you harvest the broccoli when the flower buds are firm and closed, the main head will be smaller, but the flavor will be better. Side shoots from tiny heads of broccoli will continue to grow and you can continue to harvest for at least a month.

Will broccoli grow back after cutting?

Yes, broccoli will grow back after cutting. Broccoli is a cool-weather crop that can be planted in early spring or late summer/early fall. The plants will grow 3-4 feet tall and produce clusters of small, dark green florets. Broccoli is a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as fiber. The plants can be harvested when the florets are about the size of a dime.

What To Do With Spent Broccoli Plants

Now that you know all the different ways to store broccoli, what do you do with the spent plants?

1. Compost them

Composting is a great way to recycle broccoli plants. Cut the plants up into small pieces and add them to your compost pile. They will break down and provide nutrients for your vegetable garden.

2. Make a broth

The broth is a great way to use up the spent broccoli plants. Simply chop the leaves  up and add them to a pot of boiling water. Cook them for about 30 minutes, then strain the broth and store it in the fridge. You can use the broth in soups, stews, or rice dishes.

3. Use them in a recipe

There are endless possibilities for recipes that use broccoli plants. You can use broccoli  in soups, stews, casseroles, or any other dish you like.

4. Feed them to your chickens

If you have chickens, you can feed them the spent broccoli plants. They will love the nutritious greens and it will save you money on chicken feed.

5. Add them to your compost

If you don't have chickens, you can still add the broccoli plants to your compost pile. They will break down and provide nutrients for your garden.

6. Make a fertilizer

You can also make fertilizer from the spent broccoli plants. Chop them up and add them to a pot of boiling water. Cook them for about 30 minutes, then strain the broth and store it in the fridge. You can use the broth in soups, stews, or rice dishes.

Different varieties of broccoli

It's no wonder that broccoli is such a popular vegetable - it is delicious, nutritious, and easy to grow. But with so many different varieties available, it can be difficult to know which one to choose.

There are many different types of broccoli. We can divide broccoli colorwise into different varieties, the three most common are:

Green

Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable that belongs to the cabbage family. It is a deep green vegetable that is high in nutritional value.

Purple

It is purple-colored broccoli that is high in antioxidants and has a slightly sweet flavor. The purple color is due to the presence of anthocyanins, which are also found in blueberries and blackberries. This variety is not heat tolerant.

White

While broccoli is the result of a cross between broccoli and cauliflower. The two vegetables share similar characteristics, but white broccoli has a milder flavor than broccoli.

Broccoli Pests and Diseases

Broccoli is a cool-season crop that is susceptible to pests and diseases. Whiteflies, aphids, and flea beetles are the most common pests of broccoli. These pests can cause significant damage to the plants and reduce yields. Diseases that affect broccoli include bacterial spots, Alternaria leaf spots, downy mildew, bacterial soft rot & black rot. These diseases can cause significant damage to the plant, resulting in lost yield and reduced quality.

Troubleshooting Broccoli Issues

When growing broccoli, pests and diseases are always a possibility. Here are some tips to help you troubleshoot any problems that might arise.

1) Make sure you are using the right variety of broccoli for your climate and growing conditions.

2) Be sure to plant your broccoli in a sunny spot with good drainage.

3) If you water your plants regularly,  avoid getting the leaves wet as this can promote disease.

Other ways to treat broccoli pests and diseases

1) Using organic or chemical pesticides

2) Removing affected plants

3) Using resistant varieties.

Different ways to store broccoli after harvesting

1. Refrigerate

Broccoli will last for about a week in the fridge. Make sure to store it in a plastic bag or container so it doesn't get wet. This will help to keep the broccoli dry and prevent sogging. 

2. Freeze

You can also freeze broccoli. Cut it into small florets or slices and store it in a freezer-safe container or bag. It will stay fresh for about six months.

3. Store in a root cellar

If you have a root cellar, you can store broccoli in there. Make sure to wrap it in a plastic bag or container to protect it from the cold. It will stay fresh for about two months.

4. Store in a cupboard

You can also store broccoli in a cool, dark cupboard. Wrap it in a paper towel or cloth to keep it from drying out. It will stay fresh for about a week.

5. Dehydrate

Dehydrating is a great way to store broccoli for long periods of time. Cut the broccoli into small pieces and dehydrate it in a food dehydrator. Once it's completely dried, store it in an airtight container or bag. It will last for up to a year.

6. Can

Canning is another great way to store broccoli for long periods of time. Cut the broccoli into small pieces and use a sterilized canning jar. Fill the jar with broccoli and cover it with boiling water. Seal the jar and process it in a water bath canner. It will last for up to a year.

7. Pickle

Pickling is another great way to store broccoli. Cut the broccoli into small pieces and pick a sterilized canning jar. Fill the jar with a pickling solution and add the broccoli. Seal the jar and process it in a water bath canner. It will last for up to a year.

8. Store in a jar of vinegar

You can also store broccoli in a jar of vinegar. Cut the broccoli into small pieces and pick a sterilized jar. Fill the jar with broccoli and cover it with vinegar. Seal the jar and process it in a water bath canner. It will last for up to a year.