The rise of broccoli

Daniel Schafer and Kimberly Vaughn
Communications

People have been enjoying broccoli (Brassica oleracea) since at least the days of Ancient Rome, but it’s new to North America. In fact, it’s only been grown commercially in the U.S. since the 1920s, according to La Cucina Italiana Magazine. Though this vegetable is relatively new to North America, it is firmly ensconced in our diet, and today, continues to gain traction on our plates. In this blog, we’ll explore why broccoli is such a popular food, and how Washington agriculture plays a key role in bringing it to our kitchens.

Why broccoli?

Today, the average American eats about four pounds of broccoli each year. That may not sound like a lot, but it’s significant when you consider the fact that this vegetable wasn’t widely consumed in the 20th century. In fact, today Americans eat 900% more broccoli than they did 20 years ago!

One reason broccoli has risen to such prominence could be that it offers a host of health benefits. Among others, broccoli is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, fiber, and potassium, according to the USDA. Because eating broccoli has so many health benefits, it’s no wonder more people have turned to it in recent years.

Growing broccoli

California grows the vast majority of broccoli in the U.S. — 92% according to one report — but it can also thrive in Washington state. One reason broccoli grows well here is because it’s flexible. In other words, you can plant it a couple of different times during the year, and still end up with a nice harvest. 

The Snohomish County WSU Extension tells us that broccoli and other vegetables in the Brassica family prefer “fertile, well-drained, moist soils with plenty of added organic matter” and a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Additionally, broccoli thrives between 64°F and 73°F, so adding mulch around your plants can help keep the ground moist and cool. When you plant broccoli, make sure they’re spaced about 18 inches apart, with 24 inches between rows. 

When it comes to fertilizer, Broccoli prefers a ratio of 8-16-16. These numbers refer to the relative percentages of the three main nutrients in the fertilizer: nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), respectively. In this case, 8-16-16 means the fertilizer contains 8% nitrogen, 16% phosphorus, and 16% potassium. However, it’s always a good idea to perform a soil test before planting your garden to determine the precise nutrient requirements for your garden. 

Those pesky cabbage worms

We can’t talk about Brassicas without mentioning those pesky cabbageworms (Pieris rapae). These voracious eaters can quickly damage leaves and reduce the overall health of your Brassica plants — just a couple can quickly chew a plant down to stems and veins.

Here are some strategies to help you manage cabbage worms and other pests:

1. Handpicking: Regularly inspect your plants and hand pick any visible cabbage worms. This can be time-consuming but is an effective way to reduce the population.
2. Row covers: Covering your Brassica plants with lightweight row covers (like mosquito netting) can physically prevent adult moths from laying eggs on the plants. Just make sure to remove the covers when the plants need pollination.
3. Natural predators: Encourage natural predators like birds, parasitic wasps, and predatory insects to inhabit your garden. These predators can help keep the cabbage worm population in check.
4. Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt): Bt is a naturally occurring bacterium that produces proteins toxic to certain insect larvae, including cabbage worms. It is available in various formulations, including sprays and dusts.
5. Neem oil: Neem oil is a plant-based insecticide that can disrupt the growth and development of cabbage worms. It's best to apply neem oil in the evening or early morning to avoid harming beneficial insects.
6. Diatomaceous earth: This powdery substance is made from the fossilized remains of diatoms (a type of algae). It works by causing physical damage to the soft bodies of insects, including cabbage worms.
7. Companion planting: Certain plants, like nasturtiums and marigolds, can help deter cabbage worms with their strong scents if planted near your Brassicas.
8. Crop rotation: Rotate your Brassica crops each year to reduce the buildup of cabbage worm populations in the soil.
9. Traps: Some gardeners use pheromone traps to attract and capture adult cabbage moths, which can help reduce the number of eggs they lay.
10. Organic insecticides: If natural methods aren't sufficient, you can explore organic insecticides that are labeled safe for edible crops.
11. Debris removal: After the growing season ends, it's a good practice to clean up your garden beds by removing any leftover plant material, such as stems, leaves, and fruits. Crop debris can harbor pests, diseases, and larvae that might overwinter and become a problem in the next growing season.
12. Pull weeds in spring: Weeds can also provide a hiding place for pests and their eggs. Before you start planting in the spring, make sure to thoroughly weed your garden beds.

Remember that a combination of these methods is often the most effective approach to managing cabbage worms. Regular monitoring of your plants and proactive prevention strategies are key to keeping these pests under control.

Try planting broccoli in your garden

The rise of broccoli in the U.S. has been an impressive one as it now plays a prominent role in the average American’s diet. Whether served steamed, roasted, or incorporated into a range of other dishes, broccoli's journey to our plates seems destined to accelerate. If you’re a gardener, consider planting broccoli this year, and enjoy the health benefits, not to mention the flavor, of this exceptional veggie.