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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27 Apr 09, Kate (Australia - temperate climate)
i only have a balcony and like to try growing broccoli in a pot. Is that possible? How far apart should i plant the seedlings?
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24 Apr 09, Lauren (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi i've just planted Brocolli, i just want to know before it starts booming whats the best thing to do or use to prevent bugs from eating at it? Tips anyone?
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19 Apr 09, Dawn (Australia - temperate climate)
I planted my first broccoli and had no idea about the moths! After nearly losing my plants I put large pieces of egg shell around the base and balancing on the stems and leaves. The moths think they are other moths and don't lay their eggs that produce the catapillars. So far so good, no green catapillars and my plants are coming back again.It's also pesticide free!
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15 Apr 09, Hawkesbury Pete (Australia - temperate climate)
I have resorted to a light dusting of Derris Dust on my plants as the cabbage moth is so rampant. It has allowed them to strive ahead with success. The moths have now moved onto my succulents which are easier to see and pick off.
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11 Apr 09, Leah (Australia - temperate climate)
Barb, Thank you for the tip about keeping Marigolds near your broccoli plants to mask their smell from Cabbage Moths. I have just started to notice a Cabbage moth hanging around my broccoli and cabbage plants that I grow in pots and I have found one or two green caterpillars on my plants as well. I'm heading off to get some Marigold plants in the morning.
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10 Apr 09, Maree (Australia - temperate climate)
whats the best way to get rid of the green catterpillars that eat away at the broccoli?
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03 Apr 09, stacy (Australia - temperate climate)
My brocoli has come up with lovely big leaves, but unfortunately I have hundreds of little brown bugs all over the buds and underside of the leaves - I am told they are aphids. I have tried 1 part mild 10 parts water sprayed on them but no luck, they are still there. Any ideas as I really don't want to use pesticide !! Thanks Stacy
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28 Mar 09, Kat (Australia - temperate climate)
Is it to hot to grow broccoli in full sun in the WA Goldfields
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16 Mar 09, Declan (Australia - temperate climate)
a great way to keep crows of your garden is put rubber snakes in your garden
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15 Mar 09, Tamera (Australia - temperate climate)
Thankyou for your help Barb! :)
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Showing 191 - 200 of 248 comments
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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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