Will broccoli grow in the shade?

Overseas broccoli, the closest relative of cauliflower, is surprisingly unpretentious. You can plant broccoli in the shade, in the sun. She endures almost any condition. The climate of central Russia is ideal for growing it.

What kind of lighting does broccoli like?

The overseas vegetable began to be grown in the beds not so long ago, so for many it remains a secret what he loves - the sun or the shade.

Broccoli is a light-loving culture. Grows best in flat, well-lit areas. But in hot regions, she needs shading in the midday heat.

Does broccoli grow in the shade?

Most cabbage species do not grow a large head in the shade. But not broccoli. She thrives in light shade from short trees, tall crops and shrubs.

The best neighbors for her are legumes, cucumbers, tomatoes. To scare off pests, it is recommended to plant spicy herbs (rosemary, thyme, mint), as well as marigolds and calendula nearby.

Broccoli turns into color less often in partial shade.

Cabbage blooms already at +25 degrees. Therefore, at the time of maturation of the heads in extreme heat, it is shaded to reduce the temperature. Shade is also needed for delicate seedlings and young sprouts so that they do not fade in the sun.

But at the same time, the shadow should not be solid and dense. A green beauty needs 5-6 hours of direct sun per day. It is optimal if it is illuminated in the morning and evening, and at noon it is hidden from the scorching rays.

What else does broccoli love?

Both sun and light shade are suitable for growing broccoli. The lighting is not very important. It is much more important to provide cabbage:

• Fertile soil. Good nutrition is essential for broccoli to grow well. River sand, deoxidized peat, humus or compost are mixed into the soil. Vermicompost is also added to the hole before planting.
• Water. Broccoli is a true water loaf. It needs to be watered weekly, and sometimes 2 times a week. At the same time, at least 5 liters of water should be poured under one bush, and during the ripening period - all 8 liters.
• Top dressing. For a bountiful harvest, cabbage must be fed at least 4 times per season. The first feeding is done in the phase of 3-4 true leaves or 2 weeks after planting the seedlings in the ground. It responds well to green infusion and slurry. After the appearance of 15–20 true leaves, they switch to phosphorus-potassium fertilizers and always add ash. Top dressing is repeated every 15–20 days.
• Ashes. For the heads of cabbage to form, a sufficient amount of ash must be added to the soil - 1-1.5 cups per 1 sq. meter. The plant is also powdered with ash to prevent cruciferous flea beetles.
• Freedom. Broccoli tends to grow very wide. The distance between the holes should be at least 50 cm. It is especially important not to thicken the planting when growing in a shaded area.
• Hilling. Once every 1.5–2 weeks, you need to scoop up the earth to the bushes and cover the bare stem.

At the stage when the head is the size of a walnut, the plants are fed with a fertilizer with molybdenum (Agricola or other). Then the heads of cabbage quickly gain weight.

The undoubted advantage of broccoli is the high content of useful microelements and the ability to give 2 or even 3 crops. Until the end of October, small, but incredibly tasty inflorescences are tied on the side shoots.

In general, broccoli has the same preferences as cauliflower. She loves the sun, high humidity without stagnant water, fertile soil. But you can plant it in a light shade. Of all types of cabbage, broccoli is the most cold-resistant and shade-tolerant. But also the most "voracious".What, what, and fertilizers, dressing and watering should not be neglected when growing it.