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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16 Feb 18, Darren (Australia - arid climate)
Hi Mike, I live on the edge of arid and temperate, and was thinking about planting broccoli in late Feb as well. I would suggest sowing the seeds under cover if possible, and planting the seedlings out in early March. Even then, depending on your circumstances, you still might need to put shadecloth over them. Can't help with the moth, other than spraying with eco oil if you see any caterpillars in the winter months.
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08 Dec 17, Kenneth Chagunda (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
what type of pesticides are used on the plants and what type of fertilizer should be applied too.thanks
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03 Dec 17, carol (New Zealand - temperate climate)
growing broccoli do you cut any outer leaves?pls
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24 Nov 17, Julie Baglin (Australia - tropical climate)
Hi, I live in Maitland. My broccoli plant has heaps of large, healthy leaves, but no broccoli yet. Is this normal?
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27 Nov 17, Phil Andrews (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Julie are you in Maitland South Australia or Maitland New South Wales either way it doesn't really matter how old are the Broccoli plants? As long as they are healthy the heads will come eventually.
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27 Nov 17, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Probably too much Nitrogen in the soil. Also they are better grown into winter not summer.
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22 Nov 17, kenneth (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
what pesticides should be should used on broccoli if attached
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13 Nov 17, Mike Adams (Australia - temperate climate)
My broccoli has a white looking growth on them what could this be? Thanks Mike
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04 Mar 18, Scott (Australia - temperate climate)
I think its a type of fungal disease. Either cut off affected leaves or spray with some neem oil to control its spread. Good luck!
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14 Nov 17, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Search the internet for diseases of broccoli.
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Showing 81 - 90 of 313 comments
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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

- Lawrence Umba

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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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