A good job of grading, trimming and bunching is needed to compete with western broccoli. It is important to make the bunch tight. Broccoli can be packed in crates and hampers although wax-impregnated cartons are preferred. A standard carton contains 14 to 18 bunches with a net weight of 21 to 23 lb. This is a very efficient system and yields a top-quality product.
Machines exist to ice whole pallets full of boxes at one time.
Approximately 5 to 8 lb of crushed ice should be placed in each carton before shipping. Central heads will vary in size, depending on variety, spacing and growing conditions. The central head weights will range from 0.3 to 1.0 lb each, while side shoots will average between 0.1 to 0.3 lb. Recommendations for the use of chemicals are included in this publication as a convenience to the reader. The use of brand names and any mention or listing of commercial products or services in this publication does not imply endorsement by the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service nor discrimination against similar products or services not mentioned.