{"id":533,"date":"2018-08-05T11:44:58","date_gmt":"2018-08-05T09:44:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kalliergo.gr\/en\/brokola-plirofories-gia-tin-kalliergeia-tou-brokolo\/"},"modified":"2023-07-12T09:00:23","modified_gmt":"2023-07-12T07:00:23","slug":"how-i-grow-broccoli-in-the-garden","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kalliergo.gr\/en\/vegetables-cat\/how-i-grow-broccoli-in-the-garden\/","title":{"rendered":"How I grow broccoli in my garden"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

How do I grow broccoli in my garden? Broccoli is the super food you can easily grow in your garden!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When I was a kid I didn’t like the smell of it when it was cooking. Now, a little older, I can’t imagine winter without lots of broccoli on the table. It makes a wonderful salad and is so beneficial!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Broccoli (Brassica oleracea), belongs to the same family as cabbage. It is grown for its inflorescence which while immature is edible and rich in beneficial ingredients. The inflorescence is dark green or aubergine in colour and is slightly sparse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Immature
Immature broccoli inflorescence, suitable for harvesting and eating<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Flowering
Flowering broccoli inflorescence unsuitable for consumption, but a paradise for bees!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Broccoli is a close relative of cauliflower. In cauliflower, the inflorescence is white in colour and more dense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The name broccoli, comes from the plural of the Italian word broccolo, which means “the flowering top of a cabbage”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Broccoli\"
Broccoli<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Broccoli came from a wild cabbage plant and was developed in Europe. There is evidence that broccoli has been known for 2000 years. From the time of the Roman Empire, the Italians highly revered broccoli and included it in their diet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Broccoli and cancer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There is scientific evidence that broccoli has preventive anti-cancer properties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the website of the American Cancer Society<\/strong><\/a> we read, among many other interesting things…<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Broccoli contains certain chemicals that may reduce the risk of colon cancer or other cancers, although it is not clear which individual compounds may be responsible for the protective effect. While research in this area continues, the best advice at this time to reduce cancer risk is to eat a wide variety of vegetables. In this context, it makes sense to include broccoli as part of a balanced diet.<\/em>“<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Broccoli is considered a good source of nutrients because it is rich in vitamin C, carotenoids (substances similar to vitamin A), fiber, calcium, and folate. Broccoli is also a source of many substances called phytochemicals, or plant chemicals, that may have anti-cancer properties. For example, broccoli contains several substances called isothiocyanates, including sulforaphane and indole-3-carbinol (I3C), which in recent years have been “touted” as potential anti-cancer substances. Early studies have shown these substances can act as anti-oxidants and may enhance the body’s detoxifying enzymes. Some studies have also suggested that they may alter levels of estrogen in the body, which could affect the risk of breast cancer.<\/em>“<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Suitable climate for growing broccoli<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The ideal temperatures for growing broccoli are between 10 and 20 degrees Celsius. But no higher than 26 degrees Celsius. If the temperature is above 26 degrees Celsius, then the broccoli inflorescence will bloom quickly to produce seed and will not be edible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When do we sow broccoli?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Starting from seed<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you plan to start broccoli from seed, you should begin planting the seeds in a seedbed in mid-summer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s a good idea to plant broccoli seeds in a seedbed rather than directly in the soil for three reasons:<\/p>\n\n\n\n