Growing broccoli is easy but
it is a bit difficult to identify the right time to harvest it. However,
harvesting broccoli too early or too late can affect both its taste and flavor.
So, to get tender, crisp and flavorful produce, you should know the right time
to harvest your broccoli. Today, in this article, I will share expert tips for
perfect timing on when to harvest broccoli and how to harvest it. If you read
the full article, you will learn everything you need to know about harvesting
your broccoli from this article. So, let’s start reading the article.
When to Harvest Broccoli: Timing and Tips
Understanding Broccoli Growth Stages
There are several stages of
broccoli growth. Having a good understanding of these stages will help you know
when to harvest it. Now let’s take a look at the stages of broccoli growth:
1. Early Vegetative Stage
During this stage, your
broccoli plant’s roots and leaves develop. This stage will make you sure how it
will grow in the future.
2. Bud Formation Stage
At this stage, buds or
florets begin to form in the center of the plant. It indicates that harvesting
time is very close. However, you will need to wait until the buds have
developed further.
3. Maturity Stage
This is the final stage of
broccoli. At this stage, the broccoli head reaches full maturity. At this time,
you will notice that the buds have tightened and its color has turned deep
green. If your broccoli reaches this stage, you can harvest it now.
Signs That Your Broccoli is Ready for Harvest
Some good signs can help you
to be sure whether your broccoli is ready for harvest or not. Now let's
learn about the best signs for broccoli harvest:
1. Head Size
When most broccoli heads are
4 to 8 inches in diameter, you will think your broccoli is ready for harvest.
However, the variety you have grown might have different sizes.
2. Bud Color and Texture
If the buds are tightly
closed and in a deep green color. It is the best time to harvest broccoli. If
the buds start turning yellow or open into flowers, you will realize that the
broccoli has passed its harvesting time. At this point, its taste may be
bitter.
3. Timing in the Growing Season
Usually, broccoli is ready
to harvest about 50 to 70 days after planting seedlings or about 90-100 days
after sowing seeds. To know the exact broccoli harvesting time, read the
instructions on the specific packet of broccoli seeds.
Read more:
How to Harvest Broccoli
You have to harvest broccoli
carefully. Now, learn the best method for harvesting broccoli below.
1. Tools Needed for Harvesting
Take a clean and sharp knife
or pruning scissors to harvest broccoli.
2. Cutting the Broccoli Head
Cut the head about 5-8
inches below the floret cluster with a knife or pruning scissors.
3. Encouraging Future Harvests
After cutting the main head,
keep the plant intact so that the small side shoots can continue to grow. It
can produce additional mini broccoli in the future.
FAQ
1. How to harvest broccoli rabe?
First, check if the broccoli
florets are firm or open. Then, cut off the 6 to 8 inch long stalks to harvest
broccoli florets.
2. How many times can you harvest broccoli?
Broccoli can be harvested
multiple times. First, cut off the large head. Then, small sprouts will grow on
the side of it. Next, you can harvest smaller broccoli florets from these
sprouts.
3. How do you know when broccoli is ready to harvest?
Broccoli is ready to harvest
when the main head is 4-7 inches in diameter and the sprouts are compact, green
and firm. You should harvest broccoli before the buds start to open.
4. How long does it take to harvest broccoli?
Usually, broccoli takes
75-100 days to mature from seed. But the time can vary depending on the
varieties. And, if you grow broccoli plants it takes 55-65 days to
harvest.
5. How to store broccoli after harvest?
After harvesting, store the
broccoli in a perforated plastic bag in the refrigerator. It will last up to a
week in the refrigerator. For longer storage, blanch and freeze the broccoli.
It can last fresh for up to a year.
In conclusion, broccoli should be harvested at the right time to get the best taste. You should harvest broccoli by noticing the size of the head and the color of the buds. Besides, you should be careful while harvesting it. If you follow the instructions in this article, you will not have a problem with when to harvest broccoli and how to harvest broccoli. So, always stay with this blog site to read more such beautiful articles.
Have you learned when and
how to harvest broccoli well? If you learn, share your opinion in the comments.
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