Bonarda | F1 Overwinter Sprouting Broccoli Seed

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Brassica oleracea

INTENSIVE SPACING: 2 rows per bed spaced every 45cm on the row

CULTURE: Broccoli prefers a well-drained, fertile soil that is high in organic matter with a pH of 6.0–7.5. A consistent supply of moisture throughout the growing season is important; irrigate regularly for best results. While more heat-tolerant varieties are now on the market, broccoli does not generally do well in hot weather. The best success is with spring and fall crops.

EARLY SPRING CROP: Use early and midseason varieties. Sow 2 seeds per cell in 72-cell plug flats, or in outdoor beds 6mm deep. Seedlings should be ready to transplant in 3–4 weeks. If possible keep soil temperature 24–27°C until germination, then reduce air temperature to about 16°C. Ensure good air circulation and light. Transplant outdoors 25-45cm apart in rows 45cm-90cm apart. Broccoli prefers cooler growing temperatures, between 13–24°C, optimum being 16–21°C, but will produce good crops under warmer, summer conditions.

AUTUMN CROP: Use midseason and storage varieties. Start seedlings as above in November and transplant to the garden in Dec -Jan. To ensure mature heads, seed the crop early in areas where heavy freezes occur early in autumn.

WINTER CROP: Successful broccoli crops can be grown where winters are mild (temperatures rarely below 0°C). Transplants can be set out from March to August in these regions.

DIRECT SEEDING: Sow 3 seeds per 30cm, 12mm deep, rows 45-90cm apart, thinning to one plant in each group.

SPLITTING: Early varieties may split or burst at maturity or from rapid new growth if rain or heavy irrigation follows a dry spell. Splitting may be partially avoided by slowing a plant’s growth. To accomplish this, cultivate close to plants to sever some of the root system, or by slightly twisting the plant.

DISEASES: Adhere strictly to a preventive program including: (1) long crop rotations with non-brassica crops, (2) clean starting mixes and outdoor seedbeds, and (3) strict sanitation practices. Johnny’s Selected Seeds have provided us with lots of broccoli that have tested negative for black rot (Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris) and black leg (Phoma lingam).

INSECT PESTS: Repel flea beetles and root maggots on young seedlings by covering with floating row covers from day of planting. Treat flea beetles with insecticides such as pyrethrin or azadirachtin if heavy pressure is observed. For cabbage worms and loopers, use Bacillus thuringiensis (Dipel). Cutworm prevention: Cultivate soil 2–4 weeks before planting to work in cover crops and destroy weeds.

HARVEST AND STORAGE: Before flower buds open, cut center head. Hydrocool or ice as soon as possible. Harvest secondary side shoots regularly to encourage continued production.

Store at 0°C, 95–98% relative humidity, with good air circulation for 10–14 days.

DAYS TO MATURITY: From date of transplanting; add about 20 days if direct seeding.

AVG. PRECISION SEEDING RATE: 11,000 seeds/100m at 3 seeds per 30cm, 87,000 seeds (avg.235g)/acre spaced 175mm apart in rows 45cm apart.

SIZED SEEDS: “Sized” seeds have been sorted so they are roughly the same size. This consistency allows for more accurate spacing with mechanical seeders and more even germination. Broccoli seeds are sized, except when noted in the product description.

SEED SPECS: SEEDS/500g.: avg. 141,240 seeds.

Quick Facts

• Latin Name: Brassica oleracea
• Germination Temp. 25C
• Days To Maturity (Direct sow): 210 Days
• Life Cycle: Annual
• Hybrid Status: Hybrid (F1)