Varieties for winter and overwintering cultivation (longer growing seasons) must undergo vernalization for 2-4 weeks at temperatures below 10°C. Vernalization is necessary to transition from the vegetative phase to the generative phase.
The optimal temperature for germination and emergence is 20°C, while the minimum is 5°C, and the maximum is 35°C. The optimal growing temperature is 15-18°C (after sowing or planting, the optimal temperatures are 20-24°C), while the minimum growing temperature is 5°C.
Under favorable conditions, the inflorescence forms after 20-25 leaves have developed. If temperatures are higher than favorable (above 20°C), the vegetative phase is extended, and the number of developed leaves before the generative phase begins is greater.
If temperatures are higher than optimal during the inflorescence formation, the inflorescences are smaller, become loose more quickly, and flower earlier.
In the vegetative phase, broccoli is resistant to low temperatures, while the inflorescence freezes at -5°C.
Medium-heavy and well-structured soil is most favorable for the successful growth and development of broccoli. The optimal pH is between 6 and 6.8. Broccoli tolerates soil salinity better than cauliflower. Good soil water supply is essential for successful cultivation, but broccoli plantations can be damaged by stagnant water. In continental areas, spring and autumn broccoli is grown, while in the Mediterranean region, autumn, winter, and overwintering broccoli is grown. Summer broccoli can be grown in areas where the average daily temperature in the summer months does not exceed 20°C.
