Broccoli Farming in Kenya | Veg Farms Kenya

 Broccoli Farming in Kenya

Broccoli Farming in Kenya is one of the most common and lucrative vegetable farming endeavors. Kenyan farmers grow broccoli vegetable, which is sold in the neighborhood market. If you want to create a successful broccoli farming business in Kenya, broccoli cultivation in Kenya may be your best alternative. In this blog post, we'll give tips on how to start a successful “Broccoli farming in Kenya”. “Broccoli yield per acre in Kenya”, “Broccoli price per kg in Kenya”, “Broccoli market in Kenya”, “Broccoli seeds in Kenya”, “Broccoli spacing in cm”,

Table of Contents

•  Broccoli Farming in Kenya
• Starting Broccoli Farming in Kenya.
• Nutritional Benefits of Broccoli Vegetable
• Ecological Conditions for Growing Broccoli in Kenya
• Some Popular Broccoli Varieties in Kenya
• Crop Protection and Management in Production Broccoli in Kenya
• Pests & Diseases in Broccoli Production in Kenya
• Fertilizers  requirement in Broccoli Farming in Kenya
• Harvesting of Broccoli in Kenya.
• Broccoli Price per Kg in Kenya, 
• Broccoli Farming in Kenya Profitable

Farmers are fast adopting broccoli farming in Kenya as more people become conscious of their diets and embrace healthy eating habits.

Broccoli is a member of Cruciferae, the cabbage family. Its botanical name is Brassica oleracea cv.italica. Broccoli has created new interest as a vegetable due to the growing demand for both the domestic and export markets

Starting Broccoli Farming in Kenya.

The vegetable known as broccoli, or Brassica oleracea var. italica, originated in Italy and is regarded as one of the world's most nutrient-dense foods. Among all vegetables, broccoli has one of the greatest concentrations of calcium, magnesium, and iron. Additionally, broccoli contains significant amounts of vitamins A and C.

Nutritional Benefits of Broccoli Vegetable

Good source of dietary fiber which can aid in improving digestion and solving issues such as constipation.

• Broccoli is a good choice for those working on lowering cholesterol.

• Rich in vitamin D.

• Has components that play a role in body detoxification.

Ecological Conditions for Growing Broccoli in Kenya

Altitude

Broccoli is best suited to cool high altitudes regions.

Rainfall Requirement for Broccoli Farming in Kenya

Kenyan farmers need an average of 800-1000mm of rainfall per year to grow broccoli. The plants should receive enough water without the soil becoming soggy. Stress from insufficient water reduces the harvest's quality and yield of broccoli.

Soils Requirement for Broccoli Farming in Kenya.

A wide variety of well-drained soils with a high organic matter content can support the growth of broccoli. Early crops should be planted in sandy loams, whereas later crops should do best in silts, silt loams, or clay loams. On heavy soils, broccoli crusting can be a concern. The recommended pH range for yields is between 5.5 and 6.5.

Temperature Requirement for Broccoli Farming in Kenya

The ideal growing conditions for broccoli farming in Kenya are between 16 and 18 oC. 25–28 0 C is the highest limit for broccoli growth. When temps rise above 28 0 C, the plant starts to lose quality.

High temperatures make broccoli heads flexible and branchy and may encourage the growth of bracts, which resemble leaves.

In warmer conditions, broccoli heads quickly begin to blossom and turn yellow. Rapid growth in hot environments leads to loose clusters, leafy heads, and the early emergence of flower buds.

A temperature of 45 to 50 °F.

Adequate moisture content of the soil.

Being a heavy eater, it thrives in soils with plenty of organic materials.

Broccoli Seeds in Kenya,

It's crucial to pick the correct best broccoli variety if you want better yields. There are typically three varieties of broccoli, including purple cauliflower, sprouting broccoli, and calabrese broccoli (a type of broccoli grown in Kenya).

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Some Popular Broccoli Varieties in Kenya

1. Green sprouting- Reaches maturity in 60 days and has medium-sized sprouts. It has an abundance of thick stalks with blooming shoots that are produced over a lengthy period of time, producing compact heads with great flavor.

2. Early Green F1 Hybrid- reaches maturity in 85 days and has nice heads. It has a single head like other snakes and no side shoots. The heads are well-built and contoured consistently. It has a uniform bluish green color and a mushroom shape.

3. Dandy Early No. 32 F1 Hybrid- Vigorous cultivar that matures in 92 days and is resistant to downy mildew and black rot. The heads measure 6 cm high, 10–12 cm wide, and have a solid, dome-shaped shape. When young, it has solid, flattish grains that are of a medium size.

4. Heritage- Matures in 60 days; it produces steady yield when using irrigation.

5. Stalto F1- Matures in 60 days, High producer with uniform coloured head 

6. Ritardos- Matures in 65 days; it is tasty with unique dark foliage 

7. Skiff F1- Matures in 60 days has compact heads with a blue green colour.

Starting a Successful Broccoli Farming in Kenya

 Be sure to plan for the market's needs.

It is crucial to comprehend the conditions necessary for broccoli growth, particularly the production temperatures.

Choose the best varieties based on your region's needs and the market.

Propagation in Broccoli Farming in Kenya

Direct seeding or transplanting are two methods for establishing broccoli in the field. Direct seeding, however, carries a higher level of risk due to the potential for soil surface crusting. This delays the sprouting of seedlings.

Nursery Establishment in Broccoli Farming in Kenya

Raised beds should be used in nurseries. Depending on the area to be planted, beds should be created 1m broad and of a reasonable length.

Prior to sowing, sterilize the beds to lower the risk of illness spreading to the field.

The use of 100g/m2 of TSP or DAP is required for nursery preparation.

A distance of 10-15 cm should be left between each row while drilling the Broccoli seeds into the seedbed.

Dry grass should be spread over the seedbed before being promptly irrigated. The Broccoli seedbed needs to be watered every day to keep it moist. After the seeds have germinated, the grass cover needs to be removed, and the plants should be thinned so that there is a space of 2-3 cm between each plant.

Around 60g/m2 of CAN should be applied weekly in irrigation water while in the nursery (irrigation can be done using a watering can).

As necessary, pests and diseases should be managed. Avoid overwatering and over shading since these practices make seedlings more susceptible to mildew attacks.

Transplanting in Broccoli Farming in Kenya

When the broccoli seedlings are 15 cm tall and have at least four true leaves, they should be transferred. To minimize root damage, water the seedbed prior to uprooting the seedlings. phosphate fertilizers, such as DAP or TSP, should be incorporated into the soil at a rate of 20g per hole while transplanting. It is best to perform transplants in the morning or in the cool of the afternoon.

Broccoli Spacing in Cm 

Broccoli seedlings are placed 45 cm apart during field establishment and 60 cm apart between rows.

Seed rate- 120g/ha

Direct Sowing

When seedlings are around 4 to 6 weeks old, thin seedlings to 45 - 60 cm apart in between plants. Plant rows should be placed 60 - 90 cm apart, 8 cm between plants, and 1.5 cm deep. Seedlings that have been thinned out might be moved to another area of the garden.

Manure Application in Broccoli Farming in Kenya

Depending on the amount of organic matter in the soil, up to 40 tons/ha of manure should be spread before planting.

Planting Broccoli in Kenya.

Large, green leaves and succulent stalks are characteristics of broccoli seedlings. Seedlings that have spent too much time in small pots and have stiff stems or purple, stunted leaves may eventually yield tiny broccoli heads.

With most vegetables, deep soil preparation enables you to space plants closer together, but broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables require slightly more room when planted in deep, nutritious soil due to their greater growth rates.

Crop Protection and Management in Production Broccoli in Kenya

Broccoli plants typically thrive and need less attention and other maintenance. Here, we're attempting to explain more about the growing practices for broccoli.

Watering Broccoli in Kenya

After transplanting, provide the first irrigation. Then spray irrigation every 7-8 days in the dry season and every 10-15 days in the cold season (depending upon soil and climatic conditions).

Mulching Broccoli in Kenya

Mulching in Broccoli farming in Kenya is a great way to keep moisture in the soil. Additionally, it aids in keeping weeds out of the field. You can mulch with organic materials (such as grass clippings, hay etc.).

Weeding Broccoli in Kenya

Herbicides, mechanical weed management, and a smart crop rotation system can all be used to control weeds. Although broccoli competes with weeds quite effectively, it should be kept weed-free until plants are ready to head.

There are two alternative ways to eradicate weeds from a field of broccoli in Kenya (manual and chemical). The manual method is effective but time- and labor-intensive. Before transplanting, Fluchloralin should be applied at a rate of 1-2 liters per 600–700 liters of water. Hand weeding should then be done 30–40 days later.

Pests & Diseases in Broccoli Production in Kenya

Plants that produce broccoli are vulnerable to several pests and diseases, just as many other commercial crops. Here, we're attempting to discuss these diseases and pests in more detail.

Diseases and Their Management

The broccoli plants frequently get ring spot, downy mildew, damping off, and white mold.

Damping Off

Rhizoctonia solani is the cause of the Damping Off disease. The early loss of seedlings after germination and stem rot in shades of brown-red or black are typical indications. After adding Ridomil gold at a rate of 2.5 grams per liter of water to the roots, irrigation should be administered as needed. Moreover, avoid letting the water pool in the field.

White Mold

Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is the cause of the white mod disease of broccoli. Lesions on the leaves and stem are gray in color and exhibit erratic symptoms. Spraying Metalaxyl and Mancozeb should be done every ten days at a dosage of 2 grams per liter of water.

Ring Spots

Ring spots are tiny, purple spots that appear on leaves and turn brown when they reach maturity. Spray Metalaxyl 8% plus Mancozeb 64% WP at a rate of 250 grams per 150 liters of water as soon as you see an infestation.

Downy Mildew

Small, angular lesions on the underside of the leaves that are orange or yellow in hue are typical signs of downy mildew. 250 grams of Metalaxyl 8% plus Mancozeb 64% WP can be sprayed per 150 liters of water.

Pests and Their Control

Diamond back moth, nematodes, and thrips are common pests of broccoli plants.

Diamond Back Moth

The entire plant is harmed because the diamond back moth larva feeds on the upper and lower leaf surfaces. If you see an infestation, spray an acre with Spinosad 25% SC 80ml in 150 liters of water.

Thrips

Thrips are tiny insects that range in hue from pale yellow to light brown. Their symptoms include deformed leaves and silvery leaves. Spraying Imidachloprid 17.8 SL 60ml per acre in 150ltr water should be done if aphids and jassids cause additional damage.

Nematodes

Plant yellowing and a decline in growth are typical signs of nematode infestation. It will be effective to broadcast forate at a rate of 5 kg or carborural at a rate of 10 kg per acre.

Fertilizers  requirement in Broccoli Farming in Kenya

Broccoli requires an adequate supply of soil moisture to produce maximum yields and quality. Overwatering can cause the development of watery heads, hollow stems, and root rots. Appropriate moisture levels are most critical during head formation. Drip irrigation systems usually provide higher water-use efficiency. Broccoli is a nutrient-demanding crop, and fertilization rates should be based on soil nutrient tests.

Best Fertilizer for Broccoli

The type of organic fertilizer that provides the plant's vital nutrients works best for broccoli. For broccoli to flourish and produce more, it needs a variety of nutrients. A soil test is the best approach to determine which organic fertilizer to use.

By using a soil test to identify nutritional inadequacies, the farmer will be able to boost broccoli harvests.

It is crucial to use a suitable amount of fertilizer. As you prepare the soil for Kenyan broccoli cultivation, try to apply enough organic fertilizers. For best productivity, chemical fertilizers must also be applied.

Apply potassium at a rate of 25 kilogram per acre, 25 kg of phosphorus per acre, and 50 kg of nitrogen per acre. Before transplanting, a full dose of FYM, phosphorus, potassium, and a half dose of nitrogen are added. After a month after transplanting, the remaining nitrogen dose is added.

Some of the crucial nutrients required by broccoli farming in Kenya are:  

Important of Calcium in Broccoli Farming in Kenya.

You might think about adding more calcium to the soil if your broccoli is under biotic and abiotic stress. Additionally, calcium promotes the growth of the plant's roots and enhances its ability to store food.

If you notice necrotic sores on the leaf tips, your plant may be calcium deficient. The necrotic lesions will eventually spread inside the plant, decreasing the quality of your crops if this issue is not fixed.

Important of Nitrogen in Broccoli Farming in Kenya.

Nitrogen is vital for broccoli farming in Kenya because it guarantees high yields. If your broccoli farm has nitrogen deficiency, the broccoli will suffer from stunted growth and bolting. Nitrogen deficiency can be caused by a wide range of factors such as:

Important of Phosphorus in Broccoli Farming in Kenya.

The ideal broccoli fertilizer should also contain phosphorus. Because it encourages early root formation and boosts vigor in short-season crops, phosphorus is crucial. The enhancement of broccoli's marketable output is another benefit of phosphorus.

Important of Potassium in Broccoli Farming in Kenya.

Potassium is crucial, particularly if you're growing broccoli in a cold climate. This is so that the plant can withstand drought and cold weather. By raising the biomass and head weight of the plant, potassium also aids in boosting yield.

Chlorosis is a disease that is brought on by potassium deprivation. Older leaves will develop a yellow to brown discoloration on the leaf margins as a result of this ailment.

Important of Boron in Broccoli Farming in Kenya.

Boron is crucial because it lessens the consequences of nutritional diseases such hollow heart disease and tips burns. Additionally, it lessens clubroot, improves crop quality, and strengthens plant tissues.

Important of Zinc in Broccoli Farming in Kenya.

Zinc is an additional necessary mineral for broccoli. Zinc is necessary because it raises the sugar, vitamin C, and stress levels of broccoli. Zinc is also essential because it promotes internode lengthening and photosynthesis.

Stunted growth in broccoli plants is one of the most obvious symptoms of a zinc shortage. Several other factors, such as planting in phosphorus-rich soils or doing so in cold, damp conditions, might also result in zinc deficiency.

Harvesting of Broccoli in Kenya.

Typically, broccoli is harvested when the heads are of a size that is suitable for sale. Since they cannot be stored for an extended period of time, they should be sold as quickly as possible after harvest. After being harvested, sprouts take 10 to 12 days to prepare for another harvest. Broccoli must be manually gathered because harvesting equipment cannot be used.

Broccoli Yield per Acre in Kenya.

It's really difficult to calculate the exact amount. Considering a range of factors (such as variety, season, temperature etc.) Yields normally range from 12 to 17 tons per hectare depending on the kind. Fresh heads start to sprout as soon as the first one is harvested, unlike cabbages, which can only be harvested once.

Post-harvest

Many broccoli plants immediately get rotten. Since newly picked broccoli has a rapid rate of respiration, it needs to be promptly hydro-cooled and kept cool. A vegetable is sprayed with or immersed in cold water to hydro-cool it.

Storage of Broccoli in Kenya

Broccoli should not be washed and should be stored in loose, perforated bags in the refrigerator. If the heads are not kept cool, they quickly become fibrous and woody. It is recommended to wash broccoli right before eating it because it can become floppy and soggy when wet and can also promote the spread of bacteria.

If the heads were washed before storage, they must be totally dry.

To keep broccoli heads' vibrant green color and vitamin C content, store them at 0–4 °C with a relative humidity of 95–100%. Under the aforementioned circumstances, broccoli can be kept for 10–14 days.

Apples, bananas, and pineapples—fruits that release a lot of ethylene—should not be kept in the same refrigerator as broccoli because the gas hastens the yellowing of the buds.

Packaging Broccoli in Kenya

Broccoli flowers or leaves are to be stored in plastic containers or strong cardboard crates. No more than 20 kilograms should be contained in the package.

Broccoli Market in Kenya,

Kenya's market for broccoli has continuously expanded, largely as a result of the middle- and upper-class populations' improved eating patterns. Consumption is also high at restaurants and other establishments that provide catering services. Supermarkets, Registered Horticultural Exporters Kenya, and retail vendors all sell it.

Broccoli is rather simple to sell. It already has a significant market value and demand. You should have little issue selling your vegatables in the adjacent market.

Broccoli Price per Kg in Kenya, 

Broccoli is a highly healthy vegetable with medicinal properties. The suggested plant density is 14800 plants per acre, and the heads they produce weigh 1 kg each and sell for Ksh 40 per kg on the local market. More broccoli is being grown in Kenya as more people become aware of the vegetable's excellent nutritional worth. The vegetable is related to cabbage and belongs to the brassica family, so management methods are similar.

Broccoli Farming in Kenya Profitable

Broccoli Farming in Kenya produces 1kg heads with 14800 plants per acre, selling for 40/= per kg. The average cost of production per acre is Ksh 148,580. 14800 x 40 = Ksh 592,000 is the gross income. Net income: Ksh 443,420 (592,000-148,580). The cultivation of broccoli is expanding in Kenya as more people become aware of the vegetable's great nutritional worth. The vegetable is from the same family as cabbage, and its management techniques are comparable.

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F.A.Q

Is broccoli farming profitable in Kenya?

Yes, Broccoli is a highly healthy vegetable with medicinal properties. The suggested plant density is 14800 plants per acre, and the heads they produce weigh 1 kg each and sell for Ksh 40 per kg on the local market.

How long does broccoli take to fully grow in Kenya?

60-90 days, Plants typically start producing after two to three months and continue to do so for around a month. When the heads or spears are fully grown but still in bud, before individual flowers open, broccoli is ready to harvest.

What is the spacing between broccoli plants?

Broccoli plants should typically be spaced 18 inches apart. If grown in rows, leave an aisle space of 24 inches between rows to allow for walking, although you can plant two or three abreast in a row to reduce it.