Mini & Sprouting Broccoli - Key Growing Information

These mini/sprouting broccoli plants are being harvested by Hillary Alger, Johnny's Product Manager.

SCIENTIFIC NAME:

Brassica oleracea (unless otherwise indicated).

CULTURE:

Prefers a well-drained, fertile soil high in organic matter with a pH of 6.0–7.5. Prefers a consistent supply of moisture throughout the growing season. Irrigate regularly for best results.

DAYS TO MATURITY:

Sprouting broccoli: from transplant date to central head harvest, side shoots will follow. Spring raab: from direct seeding.

TRANSPLANTING:

Sow 2 seeds per cell in 72-cell plug flats, 3–4 seeds/in. in 20-row flats, or in outdoor beds ¼" deep. Seedlings should be ready to transplant in 3–4 weeks. If possible, keep soil temperature 75–85°F (24–29°C) until germination, then reduce air temperature to about 60°F (16°C). Ensure good air circulation and light. Space rows 18–36" apart, and transplant 4–6" apart within rows for ‘Melody', 12–18" apart for ‘Burgundy', and 6–12" apart for all other varieties.

DIRECT SEEDING:

Sow 2–3 seeds per foot, ½" deep, rows 18–36" apart, thinning to same plant density noted in transplanting recommendations.

COLD TREATMENT (VERNALIZATION):

Late-sprouting varieties require exposure to temperatures at or below 50°F (10°C) to induce budding. See individual varieties for duration of vernalization period.

INSECT PESTS AND DISEASE:

Prevent flea beetle damage by applying floating row cover at planting. Flea beetles can also be controlled with insecticides such as azadirachtin or pyrethrin. Cabbage worms can be controlled with Bacillus thuringiensis. Prevent disease with crop rotation and good sanitation.

CROP MAINTENANCE:

For some varieties, side-shoot production can be increased by pinching the initial head as soon as it forms. See individual varieties for pinching recommendations.

HARVEST:

Before flower buds open, cut stems of central head and side shoots. Stems 4–8" in length can be bunched for sale or sold loose. Harvest side shoots every 2–3 days in warm weather and every 5–7 days in cool weather to encourage continued production.

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.

SEEDS/LB.:

52,900–142,100 (Avg. 104,100)

PACKET:

100 seeds, sows 25', unless otherwise noted.