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
11 Oct 19, Patty Kipps (USA - Zone 7a climate)
Does it get cold enough for long enough where you are? Broccoli needs cool weather.
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12 Aug 19, Roland (USA - Zone 9b climate)
Patricia, I experienced the same last year in zone 9b. Not a single head or side shoots. After six months I pulled the plants and put them in the compost. Nothing goes to waste in my garden.
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29 Apr 19, Lawrence Umba (Australia - tropical climate)
I am a farmer from Papua New Guinea at an altitude of 1000 m above sea level. I am trying to produce Broccoli in my farm and wonder is it going to be like growing Broccoli at Australia -Tropical, or do I have to do my own trials. Thank you
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29 Jul 19, Rachael (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
You can plant anything using the tropical guide on this site. You get good rain and should look into companion plantings to avoid pests, Good luck
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27 Apr 19, Katherine (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
We live on Norfolk Island and have just bought a house with a market garden and planted our first crop of broccoli 2 weeks ago. We have noticed the leaves have white squiggly lines on them and have small holes in them. We are planning on continuing the organic gardening of the previous owners.
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12 May 19, Danielle (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Katherine, the squiggly lines are from leaf miner and the holes in the leaves are from cabbage moth caterpillars. Check under the leaves for yellow eggs, and also pick off any caterpillars, i'd reccomend netting your broccoli.
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06 Mar 19, Terry (Australia - temperate climate)
In a 4 bed crop rotation is it safe to plant crops like brassicas in the same bed in both Autumn and Spring in the same year.
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06 Mar 19, Mike (Australia - temperate climate)
You can plant brassicas year after year after year if you like but then you are not doing crop rotation are you .Read up about crop rotation to what it achieves.
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04 Jan 19, Patrick (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
My broccoli has now gone to flower. Do I leave it in, or pull it out and plant more next year? Can't find a website to tell me if I keep it or start again. Thanks.
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06 Jan 19, Mike Logan (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Pull it out. It's life cycle is ending.
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Showing 51 - 60 of 313 comments
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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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