If you want to enjoy broccoli’s peak flavor, texture and nutritional value, it is important to heaviest it at the right time. Also, you must learn how to harvest it using the right approach. In this article, I will explain all that you need to know about when and how to harvest broccoli.
Knowing when and how to harvest broccoli can make a huge difference in your gardening success. As one of the most nutritious vegetables in the garden, I believe that it requires careful attention. This ensures that you reap the best possible crop.
As we all know, broccoli thrives and grows better in cool weather. This makes it one of the best vegetables for both spring and fall gardens.
The key to a successful harvest lies in the timing and approach. This is why you should read this article till the end to find out the expert tips you should keep in mind when trying to harvest broccoli from your garden.
When to Harvest Broccoli!
The best time to harvest broccoli is when the central crown (head) stops growing. Once it stops increasing in diameter, it is a sign that harvest season has come. Always be on the lookout for the broccoli heads. Once they are deep green with small, stuffed buds, it is a sign that they are ready to be harvested.
Furthermore, it’s equally important to pay attention to the color of your broccoli’s leaf! The moment it begins to turn yellow, it’s a sign that you have stayed too long. Harvest your broccoli right away.
I also discovered that broccoli shows signs of ready harvest once it begins to flower. It is a sign of maturity.
Tip
As a beginner gardener, I found it difficult to keep up with these routine checks. However, I found an easier method to know the right time to harvest my broccoli. I discovered that after planting in autumn, it takes approximately 70 days for broccoli to be ready for harvest. What I did was mark my calendar and wait for the days to fully count. You can apply this as a beginner gardener.
Every gardener wants to harvest large broccoli crowns but the soil structure and available nutrients determine that.
How to Harvest Broccoli (Follow these Expert Tips!)
Here are the expert tips you need on how to harvest broccoli. If you follow them closely, you will ALWAYS have the best broccoli harvest season. Read on to find out.
1 – Know the variety of Broccoli You Planted
Before harvesting your broccoli, it is important to know what type of broccoli you have in the soil. This determined the right approach to take when trying to harvest it. Familiarize yourself with the specific needs and traits of the variety you are growing for optimal results.
2 – Have the right tools
You need to have a sharp knife and garden shear ready. Ensure they are clean and well-sharpened. Blunt tools will lead to a wrong and messy cut, which can harm your broccoli plant, impeding its ability to produce a secondary harvest.
3 – Make the proper Cut
Ensure you cut out about 5 – 6 inches below the head at a slight angle. This leaves behind some stems for your broccoli plant to grow and possibly yield more harvest.
4 – Morning Harvests are the best
I harvest my broccoli when the plant is well-hydrated. Mornings are perfect for this activity. You should try it out as well.
5 – Check for Pests
To ensure a clean and fresh produce, ensure you check your broccoli plants for pests. If found, apply pest removal methods before harvesting your broccoli.
6 – Apply proper storage methods
If you had a bountiful broccoli harvest, then you need to properly store them – except you commercialize your farm produce. You can store them in a cool environment, freeze or refrigerate them.
