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When to Harvest Broccoli

Home gardening has become a popular trend nowadays, especially with the recent pandemic situation. Many people have turned to grow their fruit and vegetables, and among them, broccoli is quite common. If you are one of those people who have started to grow broccoli in your garden or are planning to do so. You should know when to harvest your crops.

Broccoli is a delicious vegetable that belongs to the cabbage family, and when harvested at the right time, it can be a highly nutritious addition to your diet. So, in this article, we will discuss the perfect timing to harvest your homegrown broccoli, the signs to look for, and the methods to harvest it properly.

When is the right time to harvest broccoli?

The first question that comes to mind when growing broccoli is when to harvest it. Generally, broccoli takes around 70-100 days to mature from seedling to harvest, depending on the variety. So, you must keep track of the growing days and harvest accordingly.

The best indicator to know if your broccoli is ready to harvest is by observing the florets. The ideal time to harvest is when the florets are tight and firm, and the head is around 4-7 inches in diameter. If left too long, the florets will start to loosen and turn yellow, and the head will become too big and woody, making them unappetizing.

How to harvest broccoli?

Harvesting is simple and straightforward. You can either harvest the entire head at once or opt for continuous harvesting. In which you pick out individual florets as they mature.

To harvest the entire broccoli head, use a sharp and sterilized knife to cut the stem about 6 inches below the head. Be cautious not to damage the surrounding stalks, as you may have side shoots growing off them, which will give you more harvest.

If you prefer continuous harvesting, wait till the main head is ready, then harvest the central stem, leaving around 1-2 inches of it attached to the plant. Small side shoots will appear in a few weeks, and you can harvest them continuously for several weeks.

Storage of broccoli:

Once you have harvested your broccoli, you need to store it correctly to keep it fresh. Wrap the broccoli head in a moist paper or cloth towel and place it in a plastic bag before storing it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 5-7 days without losing its richness in flavor and nutritional value.

Conclusion:

Growing and harvesting in your home garden can be a satisfying experience, both for you and your family. To get the best flavors and nutrient-rich broccoli, make sure to harvest it at the right time. Remember to keep track of the growing days and the signs to look for. And use a sharp and sterilized knife when harvesting. With these steps in mind, you can enjoy the delicious taste and health benefits of your homegrown broccoli.

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