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

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for USA | for all countries
10 Feb 12, Stephanie (Australia - arid climate)
Thanks I was wondering the same thing. Also if it says plant in garden, but you cant yet because you are waiting for, say, your tomatos to finish, should you plant in seed trays instead?
Reply or Post a new comment
11 Feb 12, peter (Australia - temperate climate)
if you look at the planting 'timetable' it indicates sowing seed in Feb and PLANTING out seedlings 4-6 weeks later. So, yes I'd be getting seeds into trays now ready to plant out when your tommys finish =)
Reply or Post a new comment
28 Apr 11, Liz (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Amy (zipcode 22025). You sent us a lot of questions but I cannot answer you because you did not include an email address. Please send me your address if you would still like some answers? Liz
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 21 - 23 of 23 comments
See comments for all plants

Those pesky white cabbage moths decimated the last lot of broccoli I planted in October, and it was growing so well before they attacked. I tried bird mesh with quite small holes but they still got through. I tried Dipel which is a natural fungus that kills the caterpillars after they start to eat leaves treated with it, but you have to keep reapplying and make sure you get the whole leaf including underneath, plus it washes off easily. To get caterpillars off before you cook the broccoli, I have read that a little vinegar in luke warm water will get them off. Re veggies that grow in partial shade - try green beans and other kinds of beans - I read they are happy in semi-shade, although you would need to be careful that the tree doesn't take all the nutrients and water.

- Kate

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put Gardenate in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use Gardenate and subscribe to the free Gardenate planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About Gardenate | Contact us | Privacy Policy

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.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.