Garden Watching

common name

Broccoli, Nine Star Perennial

botanical name

Brassica oleracea botrytis asparagoides

family

BRASSICACEAE (formerly CRUCIFERAE)

native to where?

Possibly central and western europe? need to confirm.
The name 'Broccoli' comes from the Italian word 'Brocco' which means branch or arm.

habitat description or cultural requirements (soil, sun, fertilizer)

It is hardy to zone 0 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from May to August, and the seeds ripen from July to September. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Bees. The plant is self-fertile.

The plant will grow in almost any soil type, requires well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay soil. The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade or no shade. It requires moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

It grows best and produces highest yields when temperatures do not exceed 25°C and is not seriously damaged by temperatures down to -2°C. High summer temperatures reduce growth, decrease quality, and cause loose heads to form, which taste bitter. Water: Water broccoli deeply and infrequently while trying to maintain even soil moisture. About 1-2 inches of water are required per week. Use drip irrigation if possible to conserve water. Applying mulch around the plant also helps conserve soil moisture and reduce weed growth. Fertilization: Apply 1 cup per 10 feet of row of a nitrogen-based fertilizer (21-0-0 or 34-0-0) 4 weeks after transplanting or thinning to encourage vigorous plant growth. Apply an additional ¼ cup of nitrogen fertilizer when the broccoli head is the size of a quarter. After harvesting the main head, apply additional nitrogen fertilizer to encourage side shoot development. Place the fertilizer 6 inches to the side of the plant and irrigate it into the soil.

uses / functions

Edible - Immature flowering head - raw or cooked[K]. The plant forms a small cauliflower head in early spring. When this is harvested, another 6 - 12 smaller cauliflowers are produced on sideshoots[K]. The plants are not highly productive, but they are well-flavoured and make an excellent vegetable[K]. Leaves - raw or cooked. They have a mild cabbage flavour and can be harvested all year round, though be careful not to weaken the plant and thereby reduce the yield of flowering heads[K].
Also as a fungicide - An extract of the seeds inactivates the bacteria that causes black rot[201].
And as a living mulch

cultivation

Prefers a position in full sun in a well-drained fertile preferably alkaline soil[200]. Prefers a heavy soil. Succeeds in any reasonable soil. Succeeds in maritime gardens[200]. Nine star perennial broccoli is occasionally grown for its immature flower head, this is a perennial form of cauliflower that produces one small central cauliflower-like head and a number of smaller broccoli-like spears in early spring. Plants do not often live for more than 3 - 5 years. Grows well with celery and other aromatic plants since these seem to deter insect predations[18, 20, 201]. Grows badly with beet, tomatoes, onions and strawberries[20, 201].

propagation

Seed - sow in a seedbed outdoors in April. Transplant into their permanent positions as soon as the plants are large enough and there is space in the garden. Do not let the seedlings get overcrowded or they will soon become leggy and will not make such good plants. If your seedlings do get leggy, it is possible to plant them rather deeper into the soil - the buried stems will soon form roots and the plant will be better supported.

relationships (how it responds to plant community, land, stacking layers)

The Perennial Nine Star produces earlier than other broccos
It seems to be somewhat of a nitrogen feeder, should be paired with lighter feeding companions and potentially some nitrogen fixers.
Most broccos have an arching profile, could have something growing under / around it as it matures