Broccoli
is a classic vegetable that fits into many international cuisines and offers
plenty of nutrition. If you want a variety with tight heads and prolific
flowering, try growing Belstar broccoli. With just 66 days to maturity, you will
be enjoying your own broccoli crop in just a few months! Keep reading for
further Belstar broccoli info, including when and how to plant this delicious
variety.
What is Belstar Broccoli?
The Belstar broccoli variety is an organic hybrid variety
suitable for either spring or summer planting. Just like any other broccoli,
Belstar doesn’t do well in hot temperatures. Plants in the Brassica family are
high in vitamins C and K, fiber, and manganese. They are being studied for
their ability to fight cancer. Broccoli is one of the tastier varieties of this
family.
The Belstar variety is very adaptable and produces stress-tolerant plants. Not only does it develop a large, central head, but the side shoots produce numerous smaller heads. The florets are dense and a deep bluish-green. The largest heads can reach 6 inches (15 cm.) across. The plant also has great disease resistance.
Belstar Broccoli Info
Belstar can be planted in spring or late summer. It has an
excellent ability to germinate in warm weather, but plants should be protected
from extreme heat. Broccoli needs well-drained
soil with plenty of organic
matter incorporated and a soil
pH of 6.0-7.5. Plants need plenty of water to ensure good flower head
formation.
Mulch around the plants to keep the soil cool and prevent weeds. Practice crop rotation with non-cruciferous crops to help prevent disease and pest problems. Broccoli’s tight heads absorb chemical sprays easily and make it hard to rinse off any remaining residue. Use organic sprays to prevent contaminating the heads.
Tips on Growing Belstar Broccoli
If you want a spring crop sow seeds in flats 1/4 inch (0.5 cm.) deep, three to four weeks before planting out. You can also sow into prepared beds when soil is warmed up and workable. Thin seedlings to 18 inches (45.5 cm.) apart. The best temperatures are 60-70 F. (16-21 C.).
For a fall crop, start seeds 10-12 weeks before the first
expected frost. Direct sow 2 to 4 inches apart (5-10 cm.) and thin once plants
have two pairs of true leaves.
Harvest
the side shoots as they come to promote more and help establish the large central
head. Ice broccoli after harvesting to preserve the crunch.
Broccoli
is a classic vegetable that fits into many international cuisines and offers
plenty of nutrition. If you want a variety with tight heads and prolific
flowering, try growing Belstar broccoli. With just 66 days to maturity, you will
be enjoying your own broccoli crop in just a few months! Keep reading for
further Belstar broccoli info, including when and how to plant this delicious
variety.
What is Belstar Broccoli?
The Belstar broccoli variety is an organic hybrid variety
suitable for either spring or summer planting. Just like any other broccoli,
Belstar doesn’t do well in hot temperatures. Plants in the Brassica family are
high in vitamins C and K, fiber, and manganese. They are being studied for
their ability to fight cancer. Broccoli is one of the tastier varieties of this
family.
The Belstar variety is very adaptable and produces stress-tolerant plants. Not only does it develop a large, central head, but the side shoots produce numerous smaller heads. The florets are dense and a deep bluish-green. The largest heads can reach 6 inches (15 cm.) across. The plant also has great disease resistance.
Belstar Broccoli Info
Belstar can be planted in spring or late summer. It has an
excellent ability to germinate in warm weather, but plants should be protected
from extreme heat. Broccoli needs well-drained
soil with plenty of organic
matter incorporated and a soil
pH of 6.0-7.5. Plants need plenty of water to ensure good flower head
formation.
Mulch around the plants to keep the soil cool and prevent weeds. Practice crop rotation with non-cruciferous crops to help prevent disease and pest problems. Broccoli’s tight heads absorb chemical sprays easily and make it hard to rinse off any remaining residue. Use organic sprays to prevent contaminating the heads.
Tips on Growing Belstar Broccoli
If you want a spring crop sow seeds in flats 1/4 inch (0.5 cm.) deep, three to four weeks before planting out. You can also sow into prepared beds when soil is warmed up and workable. Thin seedlings to 18 inches (45.5 cm.) apart. The best temperatures are 60-70 F. (16-21 C.).
For a fall crop, start seeds 10-12 weeks before the first
expected frost. Direct sow 2 to 4 inches apart (5-10 cm.) and thin once plants
have two pairs of true leaves.
Harvest
the side shoots as they come to promote more and help establish the large central
head. Ice broccoli after harvesting to preserve the crunch.