200 acres planted (7)

Broccoli is a cool-season crop. It grows best between 15 ° and 17 ° C. Broccoli can withstand light frosts. It is primarily grown for its edible buds, high nutritional value and attractive appearance. Broccoli production has been decreasing in recent years. It is grown for fresh market and processing. Fresh market broccoli is of high value early in the season. Higher quality production occurs in cooler temperatures. The heads are tighter and larger. Higher temperatures cause rapid growth, loose heads and leafy clusters. Cole crops require 1-2 acre inches of water a week, depending on the size and developmental stage of the plant as well as the soil type. Cole crops are also sensitive to wet soil. It is important to grow these crops in well-drained soil. Broccoli grows best on light soils with good moisture-holding capacity and pH values between 6.0 and 6.8. Broccoli does well on soils with high organic matter. Large acreage in Oceana county is grown in sandy soils. (21) Broccoli can be grown from seeds (4/15 – 7/15) or transplanted (4/15 – 7/15) into fields. Transplants are ready in 4 to 5 weeks. Transplants generally mature earlier. Broccoli can mature in 45 to 60 days after transplanting, 60 to 75 days after direct seeding. Harvesting continues through the season. The rate of harvesting depends on the weather and growth conditions. It is harvested at the bud stage. Broccoli is harvested from June through October in Michigan. Because of potential disease problems, use a crop rotation that does not include members of the Brassicaeceae family more than 1 year in 3. Eliminate weeds in the Brassicaeceae family, such as wild mustard, yellow rocket, shepherdspurse, and wild radish since they serve as hosts for several cole crops diseases.(18) (19