Broccoli ‘Sun King Hybrid’

Characteristics

Broccoli ‘Sun King Hybrid’ is a high-yielding, fast-maturing broccoli variety known for its large 6-8” heads, excellent flavor, and heat tolerance. It’s a popular choice for both home gardeners and commercial growers due to its reliability and ability to thrive in different growing conditions. It will produce abundant side shoots after the main head is harvested. Sun King Hybrid Broccoli is the perfect solution for those who want to enjoy the delicious taste and nutritional benefits of homegrown broccoli but in a more manageable and compact form. This innovative variety of broccoli is specifically designed for container gardening, making it ideal for small spaces like balconies, patios, or even windowsills. With its vibrant florets and tender, sweet flavor, Sun King Hybrid Broccoli is not only a beautiful addition to your garden but also a nutritious and flavorful vegetable.

Culture

• Height: 18-24 Inches Spread: 18-24 Inches
• Soil: Broccoli prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0-7.5.
• Mulch around the base of the plants to retain soil moisture and regulate soil temperature.
• Sun: Full sun for at least 6 hours per day
• Water: Consistently moist, but not waterlogged. 1-1.5 inches per week, but be cautious not to overwater, as excessive moisture can lead to root rot and disease
• Fertilize every 3-4 weeks with a balanced fertilizer or compost tea to ensure steady growth

Pest & Disease Management

• Cabbage Worms: Use floating row covers or apply Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) to control cabbage worms and loopers.
• Aphids: Spray plants with insecticidal soap or a strong stream of water to remove aphids.
• Flea Beetles: Use row covers to protect young plants, or dust the soil with diatomaceous earth.
• Clubroot: Practice crop rotation and ensure soil pH is above 7.0 to prevent clubroot, a common disease for brassicas.

Tips for Growth / Harvest

• ‘Sun King’ broccoli heads are ready to harvest when they are 6-8 inches in diameter and firm. Harvest before the flower buds begin to open, as this will affect the quality and flavor.
• Cut the head from the plant with about 5-6 inches of stem. After the main head is harvested, smaller side shoots will continue to develop, providing additional harvests.
• For a prolonged harvest, regularly check the plants for side shoots, which can be cut as they mature.
• Companion Planting:
• Good Companions: Broccoli grows well with beets, onions, celery, spinach, lettuce, and herbs like dill and rosemary.
• Bad Companions: Avoid planting broccoli near tomatoes, strawberries, or pole beans, which can attract pests that also target broccoli.
• Frost Protection: Broccoli is frost-tolerant, especially in the fall, but if unexpected frosts threaten young spring plants, use row covers to protect them.