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4 Easy Steps to Harvest Broccoli Perfectly Every Time

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Broccoli is a nutritious vegetable. Many people buy it regularly because of its amazing taste and health benefits. Again, some people grow it at home. However, If broccoli is not mature, it doesn't taste good. Many people who grow broccoli don’t know when and how to harvest broccoli. So, in this article, I will share the best time to harvest broccoli and 4 easy steps to harvest broccoli perfectly every time. Apart from this, you will know more unknown things about broccoli in the article. So, let's read the article till the end.

When to Harvest Broccoli

Understanding the Broccoli Growth Cycle

Broccoli takes about 60-100 days from planting to maturity. But the time can vary depending on the variety. Each broccoli plant produces one main head. Usually, it grows big. Then it produces small shoots. The head starts flowering if broccoli is not harvested at the right time. This flowering head loses its real flavor.

Signs Your Broccoli is Ready to Harvest

It is important to know whether your broccoli is ready to harvest or not. For this, you will see some signs. Those signs are as follows: 

  • Compact Florets: The florets of matured broccoli are tightly packed and firm.
  • Head Size: Most mature broccoli heads reach 4-8 inches in diameter.
  • Color: A matured broccoli must be green in color. If the broccoli head turns yellow, it is over-mature.
  • Flower Buds: If buds begin swaying, it is the best time to harvest broccoli. If the head starts flowering, it is over-mature. 

How to Harvest Broccoli

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Gather Your Tools

To harvest broccoli, you have to collect the following tools:

  • A sharp knife or garden shears
  • Gardening gloves (optional)
  • A clean basket or container

Step 2: Choose the Right Time of Day

Harvest broccoli in the morning before the day warms up. It will help preserve the flavor and crispness of your broccoli. 

Step 3: Cutting the Main Head

  1. Hold the main head gently with one hand.
  2. With your knife or pruning scissors, cut 5-8 inches down from the top of the head. You will cut it at a slight angle to prevent water from collecting on the cut stem.  
  3. Don't cut too close to the base because keeping a few inches of stem helps the plant continue producing side shoots.

Step 4: Harvesting Side Shoots

After cutting the main head, broccoli plants usually produce smaller side shoots. These are perfect for continuous harvesting over several weeks. Side shoots grow along the main stalk and can be cut when they reach around 1-3 inches in diameter.

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Common Mistakes When Harvesting Broccoli

Waiting Too Long

Broccoli loses its flavor and firm texture if it is kept left too long on the plant after maturing. So, you should harvest it at the right time.

Improper Cutting Method

If you don't cut broccoli properly, there may be problems with its subsequent growth and the plant may become infected with diseases. So, cut it properly to protect it from harm.

Post-Harvest Care for Broccoli

Storing Freshly Harvested Broccoli

  • After harvesting, wash your broccoli in cold water to keep it fresh and to remove any dirt or insects.
  • Dry it well with a clean cloth or paper towel.
  • Wrap it well with paper and store it in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. Usually, broccoli lasts fresh in the refrigerator for about 5-7 days.

Storing Broccoli for Longer Periods

To store broccoli for a long time, boil it for a short time and blanch it. Then freeze it. Storing broccoli this way retains its flavor, color and nutrients for months.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How to harvest fresh broccoli?

To harvest broccoli, cut a broccoli head with tightly closed buds when it is firm and dense and the buds are closed. To harvest fresh broccoli, cut the head 5-6 inches below the base of the flower with a sharp knife. Remember to harvest broccoli in the morning for the best freshness.

2. How do I know when broccoli is ready to harvest?

Broccoli is ready to harvest when the head is 4-7 inches in diameter, its color is dark green and has tight unopened buds.  If you notice yellowing buds or small yellow flowers, you will harvest broccoli immediately to prevent it from over-maturing.

3. How long does it take broccoli to harvest?

Usually, broccoli takes about 55-80 days from planting to ready to harvest. The time can vary depending on the variety and climate conditions.   

4. How to Harvest Broccoli Seeds?

To harvest broccoli seeds, allow a few plants to flower. Then these flowers will produce seed pods. When the pods are dry and brown, cut them off and place them in a paper bag. Then break the dry pods and find the seeds. Finally, dry the seeds in the sunlight and store them in a cool and dry place.

5. How to harvest broccoli leaves?

Broccoli leaves are edible and nutritious. To harvest broccoli leaves, select healthy medium to large leaves. Then cut them off at the base of the stem with scissors. Don’t harvest too many leaves at once to keep the plant healthy and productive.

Finally, It is important to harvest broccoli at the right time and in the right way. If you don’t harvest broccoli at the right time perfectly you will never get its real taste and benefits. So, when buying broccoli from the market, you will buy mature broccoli. And, if you harvest broccoli from your own field, harvest it when it is mature. Now reading the article, you are well known about when and how to harvest broccoli perfectly. By the way, If you want to read more such helpful articles, click on the link below or search in the search box of this blog site. 

Have you learned when and how to harvest broccoli from this article? If you learn, share your valuable opinion about this article in the comments.

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