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
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
Reply or Post a new comment
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!
Reply or Post a new comment
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?
Reply or Post a new comment
13 Oct 08, Alex (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Not too much fertiliser Grahame, have just added a bit of potash. still no heads though :(
Reply or Post a new comment
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...
Reply or Post a new comment
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?
Reply or Post a new comment
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.
Reply or Post a new comment
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?
Reply or Post a new comment
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.
Reply or Post a new comment
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?
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 281 - 290 of 313 comments
See comments for all plants

my brocolli heads are large and tight and its not until I cook that that the caterpillers appear. Is there a way to remove them before cooking.

- Val Thomson

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put Gardenate in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use Gardenate and subscribe to the free Gardenate planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About Gardenate | Contact us | Privacy Policy

This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.