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

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?
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!
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
09 Nov 08, stuart (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
We came out this morning to find our beautiful mature broccoli heads chewed off !!!. I can only think possums but we live in a suburban area, any ideas please help....
14 Nov 08, peter smythe (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I planted about 10 lots of Broccoli seedlings in late August/early September. At the moment they have huge leaves but no centre heads. Should I pull them all out or wait a while?
26 Nov 08, peter smythe (Australia - temperate climate)
I live in Hobart, Tasmania. I put about 10 broccoli seedlings in about late August/early September. At the moment they have massive leaves but no heads/florets. Did I plant them too early? Should I pull all of them out?
27 Nov 08, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Peter, your broccoli seedlings should be fine. Broccoli usually do well when the plants produce plenty of leaf. They produce flower heads later in the growth cycle.
09 Dec 08, Joanna (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Ah yes - I have just discovered the same problem as belle. My broccoli was growing fine - and now I have discovered lots of green caterpillars all over them!! What can I do? I have tried pulling them off - but what is to say they wont come back? Will this stop me from getting heads/florets?
13 Dec 08, Adam (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Love dynamic lifter to bring on florets
14 Dec 08, Anthony (Australia - temperate climate)
Just brought some marathon brocolli seedlings and am living in Perth, WA. Would this variety right for growing in a hot perth summer? Will be planting mid December.
Showing 31 - 40 of 311 comments

It is the beginning of April, can I plant my seeds for Broccoli now.

- Heather curtis

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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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