When should broccoli be sown and does it need cool weather?
2 Answers
Broccoli is a cool season crop and head quality is best when heads develop in cool weather, roughly 12 to 24 C. In the north Indian plains it is mainly a rabi or winter crop, with nursery sowing around September to October and transplanting about 4 to 5 weeks later. In hills it can be grown over a longer summer window. If heads mature in heat they become loose, bolt or turn bitter, so time the crop so heading falls in the coolest part of your season. Confirm exact local sowing dates with your KVK because they vary by region and altitude.
In Haryana I transplant by mid October. If I push sowing too late the heads come in February warmth and open up loose instead of staying tight.