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

06 Sep 14, Mel handebo (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Have been trying to grow broccoli in barossa valley I planted in March of this year and went straight to seed. It got watered every night and fertilised every second day. I don't know what I'm doing wrong help?
02 Nov 14, eliot (Australia - temperate climate)
planted too early, too much fertilizer. also, the Barossa is a temperate climate not subtropical, you want to treat your plant for the climate its in
20 Aug 14, Craig smith (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Have brocolli 7weeks huge leaves look heathy no heads yet.
21 Jul 14, Steve (Australia - arid climate)
Possibly boccolini or sprouting broccoli, I've got some that I planted at the end of April and only just look like there going to head
26 Jun 14, mick (Australia - temperate climate)
i brought broccoli from a local market as seedlings, planted growing well, matter a fact they are at least 45cm, but no sign of broccoli??? what am i doing wrong they have been in the ground at least 6 weeks, maybe more
29 Dec 13, Maria (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
My broccoli have many , but many little leafs but not any head, it is like bush and don't produce nothing, or some of them have already little flowers, but still not head. If someone can help me with an explanation Thank you Maria
01 Mar 14, KEVIN ATKINS (Australia - temperate climate)
Maria I think Dec is a little too early for the cooler temp leaf veg. I'd sow seed now,still warm enough to germinate or buy a punnet of seedlings which are more advanced. Plant them out keep the water up to them while young and they will go.Good luck Kev
28 Nov 13, David (Australia - tropical climate)
can you grow broccoli and cabbages in the qld summer?
01 Oct 13, Robyn Crossley (Australia - temperate climate)
Once you pick the broccoli, does it grow another head, or do you just take the whole plant out, after first harvest.?
16 Oct 13, Lyn (Australia - temperate climate)
No leave it in and it will grow more broccoli for you ;-)
Showing 111 - 120 of 248 comments

- It sounds as though you have over fertilised them with far too much NITROGEN. N produces growth - leaves. Also grow them into the cooler winter months. DO NOT grow them into the hot summer months.

- anon

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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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