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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12 Jun 20, April (USA - Zone 5b climate)
Could I plant broccoli from seed now for a fall crop?
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04 Jun 20, Glenn (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Does anyone know where I can buy Green Dragon Broccoli seeds in Australia?
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05 Jun 20, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Try Oasis Horticulture on the net - you will probably have to contact them.
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03 Jun 20, John (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I have some brocoli seedlings about 50mm tall. Should i try them or leave them til next season? Thank you
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03 Jun 20, Anonymous (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Plant them out asap, make sure you have good rich soil (not too much N though) and water regularly.
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31 May 20, Denise (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi there, I have broccoli growing and aquadulce broad beans. Are these compatible? I don’t think these beans climb as much as some others but find it hard to distinguish between dwarf and climbing for these. Thank you!
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03 Jun 20, Anonymous (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
By the info I provided below and your concern about growing broccoli near beans, you can grow near dwarf but not recommended near climbing. By the sounds of it climbing beans need to climb (twine) up a trellis/pole etc. Broad beans do not do this, therefore I would call BB dwarf beans. JMO.
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01 Jun 20, liz (Australia - temperate climate)
If you have a search aquadulce fava bean - you will find info about height etc.
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25 Apr 20, Jos (New Zealand - temperate climate)
What is the name of the broccoli with a tight head please We live just north of Auckland.
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27 Apr 20, Anon (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I suggest you look on an internet seed selling site and look through the different varieties. Try Eden seeds or Boondie seeds (in Australia) or look up NZ websites.
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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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