A problem I faced while growing Broccoli

by Sunanda Hulyalkar
(Pune, Maharashtra,India)

I have planted a few brocoli plants On Jan 10,2011. The growth was quite nice till date. But recently since a week, now the head or the central compact part of broccoli started growing small yellow flowers. As the head grows to small size it starts disintegrating. I then have to take it out.

I am really worried. Don't know what to do. Can you help me?

Answer: Bolting Broccoli

It sounds as if you planted your broccoli either too late or in a climate that is too hot to grow broccoli.

Broccoli is a winter vegetable that needs cold temperatures to grow well. If a climate is too hot or it is not planted during the cold months it grows too quickly and then bolts causing it to go to flower before it has had time to form proper heads.

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Oct 25, 2014
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Broccoli in In Vidarbha
by: Dr. Vinayak Kalamkar

Thanks letting me know about the variety of Broccoli which can sustain hot and humid climate of Vidarbha.

Plant protection is another problem. Maybe under
Shade net with the variety suggested it will grow
well.

Oct 09, 2014
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How to Grow Broccoli in Nagpur
by: Sarah

Dear Sir,
I have read your article. I have to grow broccoli in the Nagpur area of India. Please guide us.

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When you look around you and see what the major field crops are in Nagpur; cotton, sugar cane, groundnuts, oranges etc., you know that you would have a hard time growing brassicas of any sort in this sort of tropical climate throughout the year.

One of the major problems is powdery mildew from the humidity, and the plants growing all leaves and forming few heads.

So, to grow exotic vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower successfully in Nagpur you would have to plant them during the shoulder season after the hot summers are gone.

In this area you have good, black soil, but the problem with soil in the tropics is that it decomposes at a far quicker rate than other climates.

This means that not only do you have to put lots of manure and organic matter into your soil before you plant, but afterwards you have to mulch the soil really well to keep the moisture in and to keep feeding your plants as they grow.

After you have transplanted your broccoli plants out you will need to feed them regularly with potassium and a fish emulsion.

Depending on the weather, if it is very hot you will need to water your broccoli well, even twice a day, if necessary. If you don't keep your plants well watered in this sort of climate the plants will bolt and your crop will be ruined.

Look for broccoli seeds that have been developed now for warmer climates. There are some broccoli varieties in your area that are good for both winter and summer cropping, before the temperatures get too hot.

These broccoli plants are ready to be harvested 70-75 days after transplanting out. Contact a local seedsman by the name of Sufalam Seeds Pvt. Ltd at +(91)-9371782182 for more information.

Wishing you all the best, and let us know how you get on with your broccoli growing venture!

Oct 10, 2012
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Growing Broccoli help
by: suraj

Miss Sunanda Hulyalkar
I am Suraj I am located in Pune Viman nagar
I am interested to grow broccoli
I need guidance please help

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Hi Sunanda

If you read the article on growing broccoli you will have all you need to be successful.

However, you also need to make sure that you are in an area of India that has the right climate for growing broccoli as well making sure that not only do you plant during the right time of year, but that you also plant a variety of broccoli that grows well in your particular country.

"Green Currency" is a broccoli variety that grows well in your area.

All the best!

Regards
Kathryn

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