Broccoli Kailaan

Sowing Methods 

Starting in Seed Trays 

• Pros: Controlled germination, pest protection, ideal for small spaces. 
• Cons: Transplant shock risk. 

Steps: 

1. Soil: Use a seed raising mix (pH 6.0–7.5). 

2. Sowing: Plant seeds 3 mm deep, 2–3 seeds per cell. 

3. Environment: Keep moist at 15–20°C; germination in 5–10 days. 

4. Transplant: At 4–6 weeks (4–6 true leaves), harden off over 7 days. Space 50 cm apart. 

Direct Sowing 

• Pros: Less labour, no transplant shock. 
• Cons: Vulnerable to pests/weather. 

Steps: 

1. Soil Prep: Loosen soil, add compost or aged manure. 

2. Sowing: Plant 3 mm deep, 2–3 seeds every 50 cm. Thin to strongest seedling. 

3. Watering: Keep soil consistently moist; mulch to retain moisture. 

Growing Conditions 

 Sunlight: Full sun (6–8 hours daily). 

 Soil: Well draining, rich in organic matter. Avoid waterlogging. 

 Water: Deep, regular watering (avoid overhead to reduce disease). 

 Fertiliser: Apply balanced liquid feed (e.g., seaweed solution) every 2–3 weeks. 

 Companion Planting Guide 

Good Companions: 

• Alliums (garlic, onions): Deter aphids and cabbage moths. 
• Herbs (dill, mint, rosemary): Repel pests and attract beneficial insects. 
• Lettuce/Spinach: Shallow roots avoid competition. 
• Marigolds/Nasturtiums: Trap aphids and deter nematodes. 
•  

Avoid Planting With: 

• Other brassicas (kale, cabbage) to reduce pest buildup. 
• Nightshades (tomatoes, potatoes) due to incompatible nutrient needs. 

Pest & Disease Management 

 Pests: Cabbage moths (use row covers), aphids (spray with soapy water), slugs (beer traps). 

 Diseases: Downy mildew (improve airflow). 

Harvesting 

 Leaves: Harvest outer leaves when 15–20 cm long (cut and come again). 

 Shoots: Snip tender flower shoots before buds open. 

Seed Saving Guide 

Step 1: Select Plants 

• Choose healthy, vigorous plants with desirable traits (leaf shape, pest resistance). 

Step 2: Overwintering

• Mild Winters (e.g., QLD, NSW coast): Leave plants in ground. 
• Cold Winters (e.g., TAS, VIC highlands): Dig up roots, store in damp sand at 0–4°C, replant in spring. 

Step 3: Pollination Control 

• Isolation: Plant 800m–1.6km from other Brassica’s varieties. 
• Bagging: Cover flower buds with mesh bags to prevent crosspollination. 

Step 4: Harvesting Seeds 

• Seeds mature when pods turn brown and dry (6–8 months after flowering). 
• Cut pods, dry indoors for 1–2 weeks, then crush to collect seeds. 

Step 5: Storage 

• Store in airtight containers in a cool, dark place (viable for 4–5 years). 

Troubleshooting Tips 

 Bolting: Caused by heat or water stress. Plant in shade cloth during warm spells. 

 Yellow Leaves: Check for nitrogen deficiency or overwatering.