“ A NUMBER of newer , specialty brassicas are an exciting potential for hydroponic
GROWERS .”
HYDROPONIC SYSTEMS AND GROWING CONDITIONS
Smaller brassicas such as many of the Asian greens , baby leaf and mini types , watercress , mustards , and kale are well-suited to NFT , aeroponics , and solution culture such as raft or float systems . These are generally compact , fastgrowing plants that can be harvested young before extensive root systems develop . The larger heading brassicas such as broccoli , cauliflower , cabbage , or Brussels sprouts and root crops can be fairly large plants at maturity and are more suited to media bed , bag , or container systems with drip irrigation . Suitable substrates include coconut fiber or perlite which have both a high moisture holding capacity between irrigation as well as being sufficiently aerated . Shallow trays or media beds can also be used to produce kohlrabi , baby turnips , and quick-growing radishes . Most brassicas will happily intercrop with a wide range of other plants in mixed hydroponic systems including lettuce , herbs , and other vegetable crops . General purpose vegetative nutrient formulations are fine for most brassicas with an EC in the range 1.8-2.2 and pH of 5.8-6.2 . If a dedicated brassicaonly hydroponic system is set up , nutrient solutions can be modified with additional sulphur specifically for these crops . Brassica crops derive much of there distinctive flavor from sulfur containing compounds called glucosinoles . Manipulation of sulphur in the nutrient solution can help boost these flavors which range from cabbagey to peppery .
Broccoli microgreens are a popular and nutritious crop with a delicate , mild flavor .
40 Maximum Yield