Growing Broccoli

Brassica sp. : Brassicaceae / the mustard or cabbage family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
  S                    
      T                
    P P                

(Best months for growing Broccoli in USA - Zone 5a regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • P = Sow seed
  • Easy to grow. Grow in seed trays, and plant out in 4-6 weeks. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 45°F and 86°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 14 - 20 inches apart
  • Harvest in 10-16 weeks. Cut flowerhead off with a knife..
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Dwarf (bush) beans, beets, celery, cucumber, onions, marigold, nasturtium, rhubarb, aromatic herbs (sage, dill, chamomile, oregano)
  • Avoid growing close to: Climbing (pole) beans, tomato, peppers (chilli, capsicum), eggplant (aubergine), strawberry, mustard

Your comments and tips

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for USA | for all countries
10 Dec 09, (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I have grown brocolli successfully this year for the first time and we have had many meals with them, but now they are flowering and I don't know whether to pull them out or leave them to go to seed. Will they self seed and come up again next year?
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16 Nov 09, Jan (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I have four baby broccoli plants but the leaves have been eaten away by a caterpillar (I think), Does this mean I won't get any heads?
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06 Nov 09, Bruce (Australia - temperate climate)
i have grown a variety of broccli "geen dragon" all plants had lovely heads but were very small (30 to 40 mm diameter)while waiting for the heads to get bigger they just went spindely & yellow. appreciate any ideas.
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25 Oct 09, Bron (Australia - temperate climate)
Keeping the plant after it has bolted (gone to flower, then seed) is a great way to keep growing the vege without having to buy more seed :D Just wait till the seed pods dry. I grew my first lot last season (can't believe I took so long to start!) and how much sweeter is homegrown than even organic bought!
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12 Oct 09, Jenny (Australia - temperate climate)
I have left 1 broccoli plant which the yellow flowers are out. Is it possible to get seeds for re planting next year?
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07 Oct 09, Megan (Australia - temperate climate)
I am growing broccoli for the first time and have planted seedlings in soil which is about 60% soil, 40% compost. The plants are growing well, although the leaves have begun to turn a rather bright blue. Does anyone know what causes this or if I have a problem?
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20 Sep 09, Sumudi (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Hi, I growing Broccoli for the first time. Out of 10 well grown plants, I had only one plant forming a flowhead. I am wondering why the others didn't form flowheads. Also does the plants produce seeds that can be used next year?
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14 Sep 09, Emily (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Broccoli growers!! My broccoli has now gone to flower, with plenty of little sprouts forming. Shall i leave this in the ground to eventually replenish and grow again, or shall i whip it out of the garden? Cheers
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30 Aug 09, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Iainie, you may be growing sprouting broccoli which will not produce a compact head but lots of loose ones. When the weather is hot and/or dry broccoli will flower quite quickly.
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30 Aug 09, lainie (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
My brocoli grows beautifully, and healthy leaves. Its a totally organic garden, and the majority of the soil is well broken down horse manure. however i cant seem to get heads to form. when they do they go straight to flower. Why is this happening?
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Showing 231 - 240 of 313 comments
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Can I plant broccoli in the same bed as tomatoes after I have removed the used tomato plants. Also my Broccoli grew big and leafy but the fruit itself bolted and flowered immediately???? They were very well watered and a mild summer here?

- Wayne

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