Healthy Broccoli Harvest Tips in India

If you are looking for Healthy Broccoli Harvest Tips in India, then you are at the right place. Find out all the information here!

Broccoli is one of the most nutritious veggies you can grow in your garden. Having a fresh supply of broccoli in the home garden is truly rewarding, but you must know how to pick it the right way.  Here are some Healthy Broccoli Harvest Tips which you can follow.

Check out our article on how to harvest methi leaves here

Parts of the Broccoli

• Head: The crown-like, big flower is called the head. This is the end of the stalk and the main edible part.
• Florets: These are undeveloped flower buds that collectively form the head.
• Stalk: The stalk is a pale green part that carries the head. This part is also edible.
• Side Shoots: Broccoli also develops the side shoots that keep growing after harvesting the main head. The side shoots form new flower buds and harvested later.
• Leaves: Though rare, sometimes small leaves on the stalk of the broccoli may develop. These are usually discarded.

When to Harvest Broccoli

Harvest the broccoli when the diameter of the main head has stopped growing and looks tightly clustered with tiny buds.

• The head should be firm, sturdy, and must have grown at least 4-8 inches wide.
• The color should be deep green. If it starts turning yellow, then harvest it immediately, as it is the sign of bolting.

Broccoli Harvest time

Broccoli grown from the seed is available for harvest in around 100 to 150 days. If it is grown from transplant, the plant gets ready within 55 to 80 days.

How to Harvest Broccoli

1. Harvest only during morning time, before the soil gets warm.
2. With the help of a sharp and sanitized knife, snip off the head along with five to six inches of stem.
3. Leave 2-3 inches of the head stem on the plant to encourage new heads on the side shoots.
4. Avoid making cuts on the stem as it may damage the plant and can destroy the secondary shoots growing from the side of the main head.
5. After the harvest, the side shoots will keep growing as tiny heads and will be available for harvest after some time as a second crop.