Post by Trade facilitator on Jul 18, 2022 10:37:43 GMT 1
Broccoli (Brassica oleracea) is a cruciferous vegetable related to cabbage, kale, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts family.
These vegetables are known for their beneficial health effects.
Broccoli is high in many nutrients, including fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, iron, and potassium.
Broccoli is a vegetable that loves sun and cool season. As at now, it is the number one best vegetable in the world. It is rich in vitamins, such as vitamin A and minerals; folic acid, fiber, iron and potassium.
Broccoli farming is lucrative because after harvesting, the main head will keep producing smaller side-shoots for several months in the future.
Broccoli farming or other exotic vegetables such as; Cauliflower, Celery, Betroth had not been popular in Nigeria as the people were not introduced to it earlier like other crops.
Currently consumption of broccoli and other exotic crops is increasing even within the local population.
There is a lot of money to be made in the business if our farmers and investors can wake up and face the business seriously. Broccoli is usually sold in few places such as super markets, online stores and foreign fruits and vegetable shops.
The crop does not like too much sun; it is not good for broccoli farming because it will cause bolting.
That is why it is very important to choose the time of planting the crop with reasonable accuracy.
Agro-Climate and Suitable Soil Type for Broccoli Plantation:
Broccoli is a cool-weather crop that does poorly in a warm and humid climate. It grows best when exposed to an average daily temperature between 18°C and 23°C.
In Nigeria, Broccoli grows well in places like Plateau State and the Mambilla region of Taraba State because they grow well in cool weather.
But under green house, time of cultivation and hybrid seeds they can be grown anywhere. It requires about six hours of sunlight in a day, arable and fertile land. The soil pH should be between 6.0 and 7.0.
Greenhouse farming is a type of farming in which crops are cultivated under protected and enclosed environment. Greenhouse farming is becoming very popular in Nigeria because of its advantages of keeping out pests and diseases and its comparable yield advantage to open filed cultivation of crops.
Land Preparation For Planting Broccoli:
When growing Broccoli, prepare the soil to a depth of 12-20” (30-51cm). Lay down a 2-3” (5-8 cm) layer of good garden compost or composted manure when you prepare the soil. Broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables grow best in soil with a slightly acidic to slightly alkaline pH, pH 6.0-7.0.
Planting:
Broccoli farming requires a well-drained sandy and loamy soil. You can apply 2-4 inches rich compost manure to the soil before planting. Plant seeds directly into the soil 1/2 inch deep and 3 inches apart.
You can carry out transplanting after 2-3 weeks or when the leaves are 4-5 inches; two and half feet spacing between rows and 24 inches between crops in the same row.
Close spacing will yield smaller main heads but higher secondary heads.
Which is the most consistently high yielding broccoli variety?
Among 69 broccoli varieties analyzed for yield, Green Gold, Galaxy, Liberty, and BC 1691 were consistently high-yielding. In contrast, the highest-quality broccoli varieties (among 57 analyzed for quality) were Emerald Pride, Lieutenant, Southern Comet, Patriot, Luna, Windsor, and Packman.
Practically there are many varieties of broccoli in existence; the best thing to do when going into the business of farming Broccoli is to ask your farm store attendant or fellow farmers for recommendations.
You will then know the best type you will be farming for good profit in future.
We shall continue with other aspects of broccoli farming in future articles.
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