Broccoli

Broccoli is a hardy vegetable of the cabbage family that is high in vitamins A and D. It develops best during cool seasons of the year. Transplant young, vigorously growing plants in early spring. Plants that remain too long in seed flats may produce "button" heads soon after planting. For fall crops, buy or grow your own transplants or plant seeds directly in the garden. For fall planting, start seedlings in midsummer for transplanting into the garden in late summer. Plant seeds 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep, or set transplants slightly deeper than they were grown originally. Plant or thin seedlings 18 to 24 inches apart in the row and allow 36 inches between rows. Broccoli plants grow upright, often reaching a height of 2 1/2 feet. Space plants one foot apart in all directions in beds. Nutrition Facts (1/2 cup cooked fresh broccoli) Calories 23 Dietary fiber 2.4 grams Protein 2.3 grams Carbohydrates 4.3 mg Beta carotene Vitamin C 49 mg Folic Acid 53.3 nanograms Calcium 89 mg Iron 0.9 mg (Approximately 1600 seeds per oz.)