Growing your own broccoli at home can be a rewarding and educational experience. In this article, we will take you through the fascinating journey of cultivating broccoli from a tiny seed to a delicious, homegrown vegetable. Follow along as we provide a detailed account of each step in the process, from germination to harvest.
Stage 1: Germination (Day 1 – Day 70)
On November 28th, we embarked on our broccoli growing adventure. Using the stem of the broccoli, we left the leaves attached and placed it in a dish filled with water. This marked the beginning of our journey. Over the course of 70 days, we witnessed something incredible unfold.
Stage 2: Growth and Development (Day 75 – Day 119)
By February 6th, which was day 75, something began to emerge from the cut end of the stem. Could it be roots? As days passed, on March 1st (day 93), we noticed the emergence of leaves. By March 14th (day 106), both stems and leaves were growing vigorously, and even the roots were making their appearance.
Stage 3: Transplanting (Day 119 – Day 156)
Finally, on March 27th (day 119), the leaves fully opened, and it was truly amazing to behold. It was time to transplant our thriving broccoli into the soil. We carefully transferred them, and by May 10th (day 133), they were thriving in their new environment.
Stage 4: Support and Care (Day 156 – Day 181)
As they continued to grow, we provided support by placing a net over the top. By May 28th (day 181), the broccoli plants had grown significantly, but their height remained relatively low. We began to fertilize them to encourage further growth.
Stage 5: Challenges and Resilience (Day 181 – Day 186)
While our broccoli was making progress, we encountered some challenges. In late May, the leaves turned yellow, and insects started to nibble on them, despite our protective netting. It was disheartening, but we didn’t give up.
Stage 6: Triumph and Harvest (Day 186 – Day 194)
On June 2nd (day 186), we made an astonishing discovery. We realized that we had accidentally buried some stems in the soil, providing a feast for pests. We reinforced our plants with adhesive tape and continued to nurture them. By June 10th (day 194), our broccoli had grown to a length of approximately 11 centimeters – the perfect time to harvest.
Stage 7: Enjoying the Fruits of Our Labor
After harvesting, we prepared our homegrown broccoli for a delicious meal. We blanched the stems first, then added the florets to the boiling water. After two minutes, we removed them, and the result was tender, perfectly cooked broccoli. The taste was delightful, and it was incredibly satisfying to enjoy the fruits of our labor.