Growing Broccoli

Brassica sp. : Brassicaceae / the mustard or cabbage family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
      S S              
        T T T          

(Best months for growing Broccoli in Australia - tropical regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • 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 7°C and 30°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 35 - 50 cm 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 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?
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?
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!
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.
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.
10 Apr 09, Maree (Australia - temperate climate)
whats the best way to get rid of the green catterpillars that eat away at the broccoli?
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
28 Mar 09, Kat (Australia - temperate climate)
Is it to hot to grow broccoli in full sun in the WA Goldfields
16 Mar 09, Declan (Australia - temperate climate)
a great way to keep crows of your garden is put rubber snakes in your garden
15 Mar 09, Tamera (Australia - temperate climate)
Thankyou for your help Barb! :)
Showing 191 - 200 of 248 comments

Ask a question or post a comment or advice about Broccoli

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.