Leafy greens and brassicas · Moderate
Broccoli
Brassica oleracea var. italica
Large DWC tub or growing medium, kept cool.
- EC (mS/cm)
- 2.8–3.5
- pH
- 6.0–6.8
- Cycle
- moderate
- Difficulty
- Moderate
Sound origin
Brassica oleracea var. italica
Bred from local cabbages of the northern Mediterranean under the Roman Empire, and most likely improved in southern Italy and Sicily. It spread into northern Europe in the eighteenth century.
Source: Wikipedia
What it provides nutrients
Per 100 g, raw · Broccoli, raw
- Rich in vitamin K
- Rich in vitamin C
- Rich in vitamin B9
- Source of potassium
% of an adult’s reference intake (EU Regulation 1169/2011). “Source of”: at least 15 % per 100 g, “high in”: at least 30 % (thresholds of EC Regulation 1924/2006).
Key steps
- A bulky plant: one plant per bucket or large basket.
- Harvest the tight central head, before the yellow flowers open.
- Side shoots then give several small harvests.
- Prefers cool weather: bolts quickly in high heat.
In which system?
| Tower | NFT | Growing medium | Kratky |
|---|---|---|---|
Approximate calendar
| Sowing | Mar., Apr., June, July |
| Plants | none |
| Harvest | June, July, Sept., Oct., Nov. |
Garden, patio, balcony: Belgian and northern French climate, earlier farther south. Estimates to adjust with your own dates.
Frequently asked questions
Hydroponic broccoli: what pH?
Recommended pH: 6.0–6.8 (Oklahoma State HLA-6722 benchmark). Measure every day at the same time and correct in small doses, after adjusting the EC.
Hydroponic broccoli: what EC?
Recommended electrical conductivity: 2.8–3.5 mS/cm (Oklahoma State HLA-6722 benchmark).
Broccoli: which hydroponic system?
Best suited: growing medium (Dutch bucket). Large DWC tub or growing medium, kept cool.
Broccoli: when to sow in Belgium?
Indicative window for a garden, patio or balcony in Belgium or northern France: March, April, June, and July. Adjust with your own dates.