Homegrown Broccolini: Harvest Gourmet Vegetables
Broccolini, a trendy vegetable often seen in high-end restaurants, is now a favorite among home gardeners. Unlike traditional broccoli, which has a short season, broccolini provides numerous bite-sized stalks over a long period. Here’s how you can grow this delicious crop at home.
What Is Broccolini?
Broccolini is an annual plant from the Brassica family, a hybrid of European broccoli and Chinese broccoli (gai lan). Known as “baby broccoli,” it produces many small shoots instead of one large head. The entire plant is edible, including florets, stems, and leaves.
Growing Broccolini from Seed or Transplants
You can grow broccolini from transplants bought from garden centers or from seeds. For seeds, start them indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date. Use individual pots with quality potting soil and keep them in a warm place like a greenhouse or bright windowsill. Transplant the seedlings into the garden when they are 4-6 weeks old and after the last frost.
For a fall harvest, sow seeds in mid-to-late summer and transplant them once they have 6-8 true leaves. You can also sow seeds directly into the garden once the soil reaches 55°F. Thin the seedlings to 12 inches apart and protect them from slugs.
Broccolini plants are sensitive to frost. Protect young plants with horticultural fleece if unexpected frosts occur. Space the plants 18-24 inches apart in a sunny spot with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight. They prefer fertile, well-draining soil with a slightly acidic pH. Adding compost or well-rotted manure helps.
Caring for Broccolini
Broccolini needs regular watering, about 1-2 inches per week, to keep the soil moist. Fertilize every three weeks with a balanced organic fertilizer, avoiding high-nitrogen products.
Pests like cabbage loppers, worms, aphids, flea beetles, and thrips can affect broccolini. Use fine garden netting to protect the plants and apply organic insecticides if necessary.
Harvesting Broccolini
Broccolini takes 50-60 days to mature. Harvest the central crown first to encourage side shoots. These shoots develop quickly and should be harvested when they are 6-7 inches long. Regular harvesting promotes continuous growth and prevents flowering.
Growing Broccolini in Pots
Broccolini can also be grown in pots or raised beds. Use containers at least 16 inches wide with drainage holes. Monitor watering closely, especially in summer.
Eating Broccolini
Even if broccolini flowers, the entire plant is edible, including the yellow flowers. The cut-and-come-again harvesting method extends the cropping season, providing a continuous supply of gourmet vegetables.
Conclusion
Broccolini is a versatile and productive crop that’s easy to grow at home. With proper care and regular harvesting, you can enjoy fresh, homegrown broccolini for an extended period. Other similar brassicas to try include kale, broccoli rabe, and purple-sprouting broccoli.
Re-reported from the article originally published in Homes & Garden.
