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

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07 Nov 08, belle (Australia - temperate climate)
I have planted some broccoli which is growing nicely. However I came home today to find all my plants leaves chewed to pieces. On closer inspection I noticed smallish green caterpillars all over the leaves. I picked them all off straight away! What are these and how do I stop them coming back? Any tips would be great. Thanks
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06 Nov 08, Maria Bugg (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I have plannted Broccoli but all i have is large leaves. I was told it was wrong time of year in Queensland. Do i remove the plants and try again next year or should i just leave them to see what will happen. Help is required please!
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27 Oct 08, joe fibbiale (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
The Broccoli variety "Viper" can you tell me the best time to plant, here in ne victoria?
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13 Oct 08, Alex (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Not too much fertiliser Grahame, have just added a bit of potash. still no heads though :(
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13 Oct 08, Grahame (Australia - temperate climate)
Jacqui, I would say your seedlings got stressed at some stage, they really need to be kept moist as seedlings or they can just bolt straight away as soon as they go in the ground. My guess is that they have not had enough water at some stage, it needs to be fairly consistent. Kath, I usually put my broccoli seedlings out when they have a good second or third sets of leaves. Sounds like yours are plenty big enough. Look underneath your punnet and if there seems to be a good root system coming through I say go for it. Good on you for having a go. I've been growing vegies for years and I learn new things about them every year...
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11 Oct 08, Jacqui (Australia - temperate climate)
I grew a couple of nice broccoli plants from seedlings but two problems: 1) the head was rather 'soft' whilst on the plant - not crisp at all 2) it went to flower very quickly what do I do - Is there any use leaving the remaining stalk inthe ground (i pruned it all back) or should I give up and plant some more?
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13 Jun 10, cathy (Australia - tropical climate)
Use a product called Success from Yates for caterpillar,mix into a spray bottle and use in the evening.It only targets caterpillar.
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11 Oct 08, Graham (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Had great first harvest but second round of growth is bitter and flowery. Any reason/s why?
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06 Oct 08, Kath (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I have planted some broccoli seed in seedling trays, how long do you leave them there before transfering into garden. They seem to be taking for ever to grow. They are now about 10cm high and that is about 4-5 weeks after sowing the seeds. Are we on track?? Very new to all this, this is our first try. Thanks in advance.
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29 Sep 08, Grahame (Australia - temperate climate)
Ben, they don't usually get as big as the main head. If one side head does go to flower break it off straight away as once broccoli sets flower you have little hope of stopping all the heads from flowering on that plant. Alex, how much fertiliser did you put in the soil before you planted them?
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Hello When you say PLANT in garden is that the seed to plant in the garden where they going to grow or seedlings ? Many Thanks Lee-Ann

- Lee-Ann Connolly

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