If harvesting too late or when the heads are overmature, woodiness in the stems will develop. Depending upon your marketing requirements, the main head is cut with 8 to 10 in. of stem. Sometimes a second harvest of side shoots can be obtained. Fresh market broccoli is cut longer, with little trimming done. Quality of broccoli is based upon the degree of compactness, leafiness, trimness of heads, damage, and freedom from insect and extraneous debris.
Heads become discolored and develop an undesirable flavor when exposed to sunlight.
The desirable size for harvest is a diameter of approximately 6 in. Larger heads usually cannot be obtained by delaying harvest. Instead, proper cultivar selection and plant spacing should be considered. Cauliflower is hand-harvested and cut with 1 or 2 whorls of leaves to protect the head. Diseases Controlled Treatment Comments Alternaria leaf spot 3-4 year crop rotation.