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

27 Jul 18, Ann (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
First time of growing broccoli we had brought from nursery and planted they have just not long got a head and have notice that there is little ones on the plant also from what I have been reading through that doesn't usually happen til after the main head has been cut but for some reason it is just wondering if this has happened to anybody else
30 Jul 18, Mike L (Australia - temperate climate)
My broccoli last year/this year were like that. My plants were way too big (too much Nitrogen) - all leaf and very little heads. Try planting after a crop that has used the N and if you have to, add a bit of fertiliser when the plants are half grown. A small amount.
01 Aug 18, Ann (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Thanks for that I do put seasol on them every couple weeks as I have a few different things growing in the same area so it all gets done
10 Aug 18, (Australia - tropical climate)
If you prepare your ground before hand and have added compost/manure/fertiliser then the plants won't need any more feed while growing.
24 Jul 18, Steve (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I'm growing broccolini, they are shooting but they're changing into yellow flowers. what should I do? this is my first time ever that I'm trying growing them. Thanks
25 Jul 18, Frank (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
You should have picked them before they flowered.
25 Jul 18, Mike L (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
You have left it too late. You pick before they flower.
26 Jul 18, Edna Brady (Australia - temperate climate)
Eat them anyway,they are still nice in meals, flowers and all...They sometimes just get a bit tough!
14 May 18, declan kearney (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
is broccoli a vegetable that will grow with low maintence
15 May 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Unless you live in a very bug and disease free area, most plants need regular attention. If grown in good soil and watered every few days broccoli will grow very well as long as you have no grubs. If you have grubs (from moths) - the plants may look great one day and a few days later the heart of the plant could be eaten out. That is the end of that crop/plant.
Showing 41 - 50 of 248 comments

Putting the leaves over the broccoli head won't achieve anything. It is natural with caulies. If the heads are not growing and turning yellow and you have small plants then I would say you didn't fertilise them enough. The heads should fully develop in about 7-10 days.

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