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

20 Sep 09, Sumudi (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Hi, I growing Broccoli for the first time. Out of 10 well grown plants, I had only one plant forming a flowhead. I am wondering why the others didn't form flowheads. Also does the plants produce seeds that can be used next year?
14 Sep 09, Emily (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Broccoli growers!! My broccoli has now gone to flower, with plenty of little sprouts forming. Shall i leave this in the ground to eventually replenish and grow again, or shall i whip it out of the garden? Cheers
30 Aug 09, lainie (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
My brocoli grows beautifully, and healthy leaves. Its a totally organic garden, and the majority of the soil is well broken down horse manure. however i cant seem to get heads to form. when they do they go straight to flower. Why is this happening?
23 Aug 09, Gus (Australia - temperate climate)
When you cut the head of broccoli will it shoot again and give another head? I have done this and now have tiny heads shooting Will they come to anything?
01 Jul 09, Sonja (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Ok I am in Canberra and first time broccoli grower...well even first time vegetable grower. I planted these seedlings around Anzac day. I am just now seeing a head forming in the middle. Some questions: Is there anything I shld be doing now to ensure this growth i.e regular fertiliser, covering plant to protect etc. There doesn't seem to be any problems with pests at the moment so fingers crossed. Just using snail bate at the moment. Any help would be appreciated. I really want to be successful at this.
04 Jun 09, ron simpson (Australia - temperate climate)
my broccoli has grown well but the heads are very spread out and not compact,would anyone have any clues why.
28 May 09, (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
broccoli leaves can be blanched 1.5 to 2 min. then can be used for stuffed cabbge rolls, their excellent
17 May 09, Trish (Australia - tropical climate)
started 2 metre square gardens about 6 weeks ago. I have marigolds next to the broccoli and the broccoli is growing GREAT but is growing so fast it is putting my bush peas in shadow. is it ok to cut off a few of the broccoli leaves and if so can you use them in stir fry, or is it straight to the compost? thanks
08 May 09, Dawn (Australia - temperate climate)
Kate - Vegetables prefer deep pots, they need room to develop a good root system Wine barrels cut in half are great, large terra cotta pots will absorb water whereas large plastic pots are good. Only plant miniature broccoli. Plant the broccolis one plant per pot so they don't crowd. Because they are slow growing, pop in some quick growing lettuces in between as a filler. Vegies that do well in pots are tomatoes green leafy vegetables such as lettuce, salad greens, rocket and parsley herbs such as thyme, oregano and sage snow peas (remember to use a climbing frame) potatoes beans, eggplants,spinach, silver beet and chillies
05 May 09, jesse (Australia - temperate climate)
i am wondering what the best type of broccoli is to plant in the toowoombe region
Showing 181 - 190 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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