Knowing when to harvest broccolini is important so you can ensure it will have the most flavor and nutrients. The best time to harvest is once the heads have matured but before they can flower otherwise you will lose the beauty of your vegetables.
Broccolini, cauliflower, and kale are all cruciferous vegetables. They all share a similar nutritional profile with many vitamins and minerals.
The most important difference between these vegetables is that broccoli has a high level of indole-3-carbinol (I3C). I3C is an anti-cancer compound that can prevent cancer from developing in the first place. Broccoli also contains sulforaphane, another potent anti-cancer compound.
Broccolini is a member of the brassica family which includes broccoli, cauliflower, kale, kohlrabi, and cabbage. Created by crossbreeding broccoli and Chinese broccoli. It is very similar to broccoli, however, it has longer, thinner stalks and smaller florets.
Broccolini is very similar to cauliflower as they both have the same size, shape, and taste. The key difference between them is that broccolini is more tender than cauliflower. Broccolini is a cool-weather crop and it is grown in the northern hemisphere.
When to Harvest Broccolini – The Best Time
Broccolini is best harvested when it is young as it will get larger and harder when it grows. Broccolini takes about 48 to 60 days depending on the type and growing conditions you provide. It is best planted in the spring for the summer harvest.
In some areas, you can plant them in the late summer for a fall harvest. Broccolini is an annual vegetable but it can be grown in cooler climates where broccoli would not grow. In warmer climates, it is grown as a biennial vegetable.
How to Harvest Broccolini
Now that you know when to harvest broccolini, it’s also important to know how to do it. Broccolini can be harvested in many different ways.
The easiest way to harvest broccolini is to just pick it off. Cutting the stalks with scissors will remove the leaves from the stalk and leave the broccolini intact.
Alternatively, you can cut the stalks at the base with a sharp knife or scissors. This will leave the broccolini intact but cut off the top part of the stalk.
Broccolini is usually sold in bunches of three, so when harvesting, cut off three bunches and use the scissors to cut the stalks in half. You may have to do this process a few times before the stems are cut in half.
Once you have cut off the heads of broccolini, you should store them in the refrigerator. Store the broccolini in an airtight container with the stems facing down.
If you are cutting the broccolini into individual pieces, you will need to separate each piece from the rest. Use your hands or a spoon to gently pull the individual pieces out from the bunch. Once you have picked the broccolini, rinse it under cold water and pat dry.
How to Cook Broccolini – When to Harvest Broccolini
You can cook the broccolini by boiling it or sauteing it. To boil the broccolini, add a large amount of water to a pot, bring the water to a boil, and then add the broccolini. Let the broccolini simmer in the water for 5-10 minutes, until the broccolini is cooked through.
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To sautee broccolini, heat one tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the broccolini and cook for 5-7 minutes, until the broccolini is cooked through.
Broccolini is used as a vegetable in several dishes. It is also a popular side dish as it can be cooked in a variety of ways. It is often stir-fried, steamed, or sauteed and can even be used as a pizza topping.
Broccolini can be used to make soup and salads, and it’s sometimes used to make pasta dishes.
Read more about the Top 9 Plants That Like High Phosphorus
The Benefits of Broccolini – When to Harvest Broccolini
- Broccolini is a nutritious vegetable that is low in calories. It has a low-fat content. The nutritional value of broccolini is comparable to other cruciferous vegetables such as cauliflower and cabbage.
- Broccolini is rich in many vitamins and minerals. It is rich in vitamins A, B6, C, E, K, and folate. It is also rich in manganese, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, iron, zinc, copper, beta-carotene, and fiber.
- Broccolini is an excellent source of vitamin K and vitamin C. Broccolini is best harvested when the heads are mature. It can be harvested from the end of June through the end of August.
- Broccolini is a good source of dietary fiber.
- It is also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids and essential amino acids. It is an excellent source of lysine and methionine.
Broccolini Plant Stages
When it comes to the broccolini plant, it goes through many stages before it becomes the delicious vegetable we enjoy with our lunches and dinners. It’s considered a tricky plant to grow, but it certainly doesn’t have to be – just as long as you have the right knowledge.
Before you plant, you should add a few inches of compost to your
Once your seeds are planted, you should ensure that you’re watering your broccolini often. They’re thirsty plants and need around 1-2 inches of water per week. If the
If you notice any discoloration of the leaves, you may want to apply liquid feed. You can also add fertilizer to ensure the best results.
Your plants should now be thriving and when they reach around 8 inches in height, you can add more
Broccolini Yellow Flowers – What Are They?
You may have noticed that your broccolini has yellow flowers. If this has occurred, there’s no need for concern as this part of the plant is completely edible. It simply means the plant is bolting. This tends to happen in hotter climates. If yellow flowers have appeared on your broccolini, it’s likely to taste slightly different. This part of the vegetable has a peppery taste, which I, personally, love.
Are Broccolini Flowers Edible?
Absolutely! When it comes to broccolini, the whole vegetable can be consumed safely. Whether you enjoy the stem or the yellow flowers, you can eat them all. And did you know that you can also eat broccolini raw too? Just be sure your broccolini has been rinsed first!
Where to Buy Broccolini Seeds
Broccolini seeds are surprisingly accessible. You buy them from many places online, as well as gardening centers and stores. Even online stores such as Amazon and Etsy have broccolini seeds available, and they’re often very reasonably priced too. I usually opt for Park Seed, which comes in packets of 20, and can be bought easily on Amazon.
Do You Need to Wash Broccolini Once Harvested?
So you’ve harvested your broccolini and you may now be wondering what you need to do with it. You must wash your broccolini before consuming it, as there may be both dirt and insects on the plant.
All you need to do is add your broccolini to a colander or sieve and run under cool water to remove any residue of dirt or insects. Be sure to rinse the entire broccolini. It’s important not to use hot water for this as it can make your broccolini limp and soggy.
You can leave it in a bowl of cool water for around 5 minutes to ensure your broccolini is completely clean. However, you don’t need to do this. I just do this as a precaution.
In Conclusion – When to Harvest Broccolini
The perfect time when to harvest broccolini is when it’s a bit bigger and has more flavourful stems and leaves than it does when it’s just a baby, tender leaf. Broccolini should be harvested in the morning before the sun gets too strong. Keep the leaves and stalks separate and place the leaves in an open plastic bag with a little lemon juice.
FAQs
Can you harvest broccoli too early?
Yes, it is possible to harvest broccoli in the spring. The only thing you need to be careful about is not overwatering. If you water your plants too much, the plant will grow too fast and not produce a big head of broccoli. You can also try to keep your broccoli from getting too hot. Try to keep the soil at an appropriate temperature, so that the plant can grow properly. When the weather starts getting hot, you might want to harvest some of your broccoli.
How and when to harvest broccolini?
Broccolini can be harvested at any time. You don’t have to wait until it is fully mature. It will be ready when the buds start to turn yellow. If you do harvest it, cut off the top leaves before you begin harvesting the broccoli. These are the leaves that get all the sun and will make your broccoli turn bitter.
What does broccolini look like when ready to harvest?
The broccolini head will be firm with a deep green color. If you notice it turning to yellowish color, is it about to flower so it’s best to harvest it immediately.
Does broccoli grow back every year?
Yes, the broccoli plant will not come back. You will have to plant fresh seeds each season. If you let the broccoli head go to seed, the seeds will be planted and will germinate in the next growing season.
Brian believes the best days are spent outside with soil on your hands. He finds his rhythm in the details of the garden—from carefully tending to established plants to the excitement of propagating new varieties. A true outdoor enthusiast, Brian is here to swap stories, share advice, and celebrate the rewarding work of growing.
