How to grow Broccoli Belstar Seeds
Broccoli Belstar thrives in cool weather, making it suitable for both spring and fall planting.
Spring Planting: Sow seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost. Use well-draining seed trays or pots filled with starting mix. Sow seeds about 0.5cm deep. Aim for temps around 15-29°C during germination. After seedlings emerge and receive adequate light, thin each group to the strongest plant. Harden off seedlings and transplant them outdoors 1-2 weeks before the last frost, spacing them 45-60 cm apart in rows 45-90 cm apart.
Fall Planting: Start seeds indoors in May and transplant them to your garden in June-July. Follow the same seeding instructions as for spring planting. In areas with early fall freezes, sow seeds earlier to ensure the broccoli matures before frost. Follow the same transplanting instructions as for spring planting.
General Care: Choose a sunny location with well-drained, fertile soil. Water regularly, especially during hot weather, keeping the soil moist but not soggy. Watch out for pests like cabbage worms and aphids, and try using organic methods like neem oil or handpicking to control them. Germination should take around 7-14 days and broccoli should be ready for harvesting after 120-150 days.
Harvest: Harvest your Belstar broccoli when the central head reaches 5-20 cm in diameter and the florets are still tight and compact. Cut the head just below the crown, leaving some side shoots to continue producing smaller harvests.