Emerald Crown is a medium-maturing broccoli that produces uniform heads that make good weight. Small framed plants produce blue green heads with a small bead size and a domed shape. The heads are firm and highly resistant to purpling during cool growing periods. Emerald Crown produces high quality crown cuts and is best used for late summer plantings and fall harvest.
TO START OUTDOORS Sow seeds in well-worked, fertile soil in full sun. Plant groups of 2 to 3 seeds 1/2 inch deep and 12 inches apart. Space rows 18 inches apart. Thin to 1 strong seedling per group so plants have room to mature and grow.
GROWING NOTES Broccoli needs rich, fertile soil and cool growing weather to produce big heads. Prepare soil well and do not let seedlings get too crowded before thinning or transplanting or the heads will be stunted. Keep well watered and weeded. Feed at least monthly with all purpose fertilizer. Use non-toxic B.T. (Bacillus thuringiensis) products to repel caterpillar pests as necessary.
HARVEST AND USE Harvest the main head before florets open by cutting about halfway down the stalk. This will encourage numerous side shoots to form for extended picking from each plant.
