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Joual Vert

Broccoli is a nutritious, delicious vegetable that grows well in Quebec’s temperate climate. Here is a step-by-step guide to growing broccoli 🥦

Choose varieties suited to Quebec’s climate, such as Calabrese, Raab, and Waltham, which are cold-hardy and mature more quickly.

Broccoli prefers cool temperatures, so plan your planting so the crop is ready before the heat of summer. You can start the seeds indoors between March and April, then transplant the seedlings outdoors as temperatures warm, from mid-May to early June.

Sow broccoli seeds in pots filled with potting mix, about 6 mm (1/4 inch) deep. Place the pots in a sunny location and maintain a temperature of 15–20°C (59–68°F). The seeds should germinate within five to seven days.

Before transplanting outdoors, harden off the seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for one week. Begin by leaving them outside for a few hours each day, then gradually increase the amount of time.

Choose a sunny location for your broccoli. Prepare the soil by turning it and incorporating compost to improve its structure and fertility. The ideal soil pH for broccoli is between 6.0 and 7.0.

Transplant the broccoli seedlings outdoors, spacing them 45–60 cm (18–24 inches) apart and setting them at about the same depth as they were in their pots. Water immediately after planting.

Water regularly, keeping the soil evenly moist. Mulch around the plants to conserve moisture, reduce weeds, and protect the roots. Fertilize every four to six weeks with a nitrogen-rich organic fertilizer such as blood meal or fish meal.

Watch for aphids, caterpillars, and slugs. Use organic control methods, such as introducing ladybugs to control aphids and setting slug traps. To help prevent fungal disease, provide good air circulation and avoid overwatering.

Harvest broccoli when the heads are well formed, firm, and dark green. The flower buds should be compact and tightly closed. Do not wait too long, as the buds can separate and open into yellow flowers, reducing the vegetable’s quality. To harvest, use a sharp knife to cut the main stem just below the head, leaving a few leaves intact to encourage new side shoots. This will allow you to continue harvesting smaller heads for a few more weeks.

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