Contents
Broccoli Marathon F1 is a highly productive type of crop, which is characterized by high yields and a high content of useful components. Differs in resistance to diseases and temperature differences. However, to achieve maximum productivity of the species, it is necessary to adhere to the recommendations for planting and growing it.
The hybrid is suitable for cultivation in an open ground, and also in greenhouses, hotbeds
Description and characteristics of broccoli Marathon F1
Broccoli Marathon is a type of cauliflower. The originator of the hybrid is the Japanese company Sakata. The height of the plant reaches 80 cm. The leaves are elongated, on long petioles, of a gray-green hue. The plates are smooth with a slight waviness along the edge.
The fruit is formed at the top of the main cabbage shoot. It has an elliptical shape, 20 cm long. The forks are dense, but loose, weighing up to 800 g. The shade of the inflorescences is blue-green.
Productivity
This type of culture is medium early. The growing season for broccoli Marathon is 80-85 days. The yield of the hybrid, subject to the rules of care, reaches 4 kg per 1 sq. m. Output of commercial forks – 98%.
Advantages and disadvantages
Broccoli Marathon has many advantages, which is confirmed by the reviews of gardeners. But also the hybrid has certain disadvantages that must be considered when growing it.
The species is suitable for freezing, baking, frying and fresh consumption
The main advantages of broccoli Marathon:
- high yield;
- resistance to cold;
- low susceptibility to diseases;
- undemanding to care;
- excellent taste;
- increased content of useful components;
- good presentation;
- universality of application.
Disadvantages:
- vulnerability to heat;
- needs regular watering;
- requires protection from pests.
Features of landing
Broccoli Marathon can be grown in seedlings and direct sowing in the ground. In order for the procedure to be successful, it is necessary to familiarize yourself with the peculiarities of its implementation in each specific case.
When to sow Marathon broccoli for seedlings
It is necessary to plant Marathon broccoli for seedlings at home at the end of March, at the beginning of April. This will make it possible to get stronger seedlings by the beginning of the season. To do this, it is necessary to prepare wide containers 10 cm high with drainage holes, as well as a nutrient soil mixture. It should consist of sod, humus, peat and sand, taken in the same proportion. A few days before planting, pour the substrate abundantly with Fitosporin solution, and then dry it slightly to disinfect.
Also, immediately before planting, soak Marathon broccoli seeds in a pink solution of potassium permanganate for 15 minutes, then rinse with clean water and dry slightly.
Seeds should be treated immediately before planting, as they will no longer be suitable for storage.
Algorithm of actions:
- Fill the container with soil mixture.
- Water it abundantly, level and compact the surface.
- Spread the prepared seeds at a distance of 1 cm from each other.
- Sprinkle them with a layer of earth 1 cm thick.
- Moisten the surface of the soil with a spray bottle.
At the end of the planting of Marathon broccoli, the container with the planted seeds must be covered with a film or glass to maintain the optimum level of humidity inside. Then it is necessary to transfer the container to a dark place with a temperature of +20-25 °C.
After germination of Marathon broccoli seeds, transfer the container to a light windowsill and lower the content regime to +18 ° С. This will slow down the development of the aerial part and activate the growth of the root system. Air the seedlings daily for half an hour and remove the collected condensate from the film or glass. And when the seedlings get stronger, they need to be adapted to external conditions and the shelter completely removed.
It is necessary to water the Marathon broccoli sparingly as the topsoil dries out. And at the stage of 2-3 true leaves, the seedlings need to dive into separate cups, which will allow the seedlings to build up a powerful root system. A week after this, it is recommended to carry out the first feeding of cabbage, using a complex mineral fertilizer containing boron and molybdenum.
It is necessary to plant Marathon broccoli seedlings in a permanent place in mid-May, when the soil warms up enough. The recommended scheme is 30 by 50 cm, so that the plants can fully develop and not compete for moisture and nutrition.
By the time of planting in a permanent place, seedlings should have 4-5 true leaves.
Sowing in open ground
When directly sowing Marathon broccoli in open ground, it is necessary to prepare a garden bed in advance. This must be done at least two weeks in advance. To do this, it is necessary to dig up the site and add humus at the rate of 10 kg per square meter. m. And after that, carefully level the surface.
For planting, prepare holes 1 cm deep at a distance of 30 cm and keeping a distance of 50 cm in a row. Then water them abundantly and wait for the moisture to be absorbed. Plant three seeds in each hole, then sprinkle them with earth and compact the surface. After planting, cover the bed with agrofibre.
After seven days, when friendly shoots of Marathon broccoli appear, remove the shelter and water the crops by sprinkling. When the seedlings grow up, you need to leave one of the strongest in each hole, and remove the rest.
Features of care
Broccoli Marathon does not require complex care. Therefore, any novice gardener is quite capable of coping with its cultivation.
Cabbage should be watered regularly throughout the growing season. To do this, you can use settled water with a temperature of + 18-23 ° C. Humidification is carried out in the evening under the root of the plant. During the heat period, it is necessary to additionally place containers with water on the bed in order to increase evaporation and increase air humidity.
As the bushes grow, they need to be periodically hilled, which helps to strengthen the root system. It is also necessary to regularly carry out weeding until the bushes close.
To protect the crop from caterpillars, you need to inspect the Marathon broccoli bushes and, when the first signs of their vital activity appear, spray them with insecticides. In addition, for the purpose of prevention, you need to spray a garlic solution on the plants every week. To prepare it, you need to grind 1 kg of spicy vegetable tops and pour 2 liters of warm water into it. Infuse the liquid for a day, and then use as directed.
For successful cultivation of Marathon broccoli, you need to feed the cabbage three times per season. It is recommended to fertilize seedlings for the first time ten days after they are planted in a permanent place. To do this, you can use mullein 5 1:10 or chicken manure 1:15. Subsequent top dressing should be carried out every two weeks. The second time to fertilize Marathon broccoli is necessary with nitroammophos at the rate of 30 g per 10 liters of water. And for the third top dressing, it is recommended to use superphosphate 40 g and potassium sulfide 25 g per bucket of water.
The nutrient solution should be poured under the cabbage root at the rate of 0,5 liters per plant
Harvesting and storage of crops
Harvesting is recommended in the morning in dry, clear weather. At the same time, it is important not to miss the deadlines so that the broccoli does not have time to bloom, as this negatively affects its taste. You need to cut the forks with 10 cm long bobbins.
You can store the crop in the basement or in the refrigerator for three weeks. Optimal conditions: temperature +2-4 °С and air humidity about 50%.
Conclusion
Broccoli Marathon is a hybrid that does not cause any particular difficulties in growing the legs, while it shows high productivity with minimal care. This explains its high popularity among gardeners who were able to appreciate this species.
Reviews of gardeners about broccoli Marathon F1
