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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06 Jan 21, (USA - Zone 4b climate)
Go to a seed selling website and look at different broccoli. Most broccoli will grow in a variety of climates. Each climate will have a preferred planting time.
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31 Aug 20, Jimmy (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I had 5 purple broccoli plants planted in April from seedlings that have grown really well but have failed to develop any heads at all. What went wrong?
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31 Aug 20, Anonymous (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
If really big leafy plants then your soil was too rich in Nitrogen.
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17 Aug 20, ashley shepherd (New Zealand - temperate climate)
my seedlings keep getting ruined, they start to grow then fall over/out with no roots left. I dug around and looks like grass grubs in my beds how do I rid my garden bed of these?
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20 Feb 21, Jay (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
Perhaps they are still too small - transplant shock ? try letting them grow larger maybe and soak the furrow first not the plant after till established.
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19 Aug 20, Anonymous (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Ring an agricultural supply company and ask to talk to an agronomists. Would probably be some grub or worm in the soil. I have never had the problem in 40 years.
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06 Aug 20, Anthony Ryan (Australia - temperate climate)
My broccoli plants have finished producing main flower heads some side shoots are still growing though. Once they finish producing flower buds do you pull out the plant or cut or trim it so it will regrow next winter. I have heard both broccoli and cauliflowers are biennial if so what should I do for my cauliflowers also. Any help would be greatly appreciated
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07 Aug 20, Anon (Australia - temperate climate)
Some (sprouting) are perennial some are annual. I don't know why anyone would trim the plant then look after it for 6-8 months. Far less work to just pull it out and replant new seed/seedlings next Autumn.
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11 Jul 20, Sue Hotker (Australia - tropical climate)
What direction should I plant broccoli and cabbage, eg. nth, sth, west or east facing? Morning or afternoon sun?
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13 Jul 20, (Australia - temperate climate)
N S is probably the best thought it wouldn't matter really. Sun all day.
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My broccoli have gone from juvenile heads to spreading out and flowering in a week. What have I done wrong?

- josie

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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.
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