GROWTH RESPONSE OF BROCCOLI (BRASSICA OLERACEA) TO DIFFERENT PLANTING DATE AT JIMMA SOUTH WESTERN ETHIOPIA

The current study was conducted at Jimma University College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine of Ethiopia to find the effect different planting date on growth performance of broccoli. Seeds were sown in well-prepared trays on 23th April, 8th March, and 23th March each in 15 days interval at the year 2016 cropping season through irrigation. Seedlings were transplanted when 3-4 true leaves were developed after 30 days. The growth parameters were measured stem girth, leaf number, leaf diameter, fresh leaf and root weight, root length, leaf length and plant height. Broccoli sowed on 23th February produced more and longer leaves, taller plant, fresh weight of roots and leaf diameter respectively. Generally, results on various parameters showed that maximum growth was obtained by planting broccoli on 23th of February. Hence, it is recommended for general cultivation of broccoli under Jimma growing condition. Moreover, as the crop is new for Jimma area further studies are needed with regard to the improvement of agronomic practices for broccoli cultivation in Jimma and similar agro ecology.