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

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01 Nov 16, Lyn (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Why should broccoli not be planted in the same bed as capsicum? Too late for me this time, although both seem to be doing well.
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02 Aug 16, Ron (Australia - temperate climate)
We just bought broccoli seedlings from our local hardware's nursery, but your info says plant in spring or autumn. Should we return them or is there somewhere they might grow, under the back patio in a pot with winter sun on them perhaps? Please help.
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09 Aug 16, Ann-Marie (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Broccoli need cold to grow. Put them in the coldest spot in the garden. My broccoli is already going to flower but as flowers are edible i dont mind. You may find that you get very little from them this late in the season. Try approx 4 hrs of sunlight per day then the coldest part of garden for the rest of the day. Broccolini might be a better choice this time of year as you pick much earlier.
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24 Apr 16, Otuwose Agyeno (Australia - tropical climate)
I have sown broccoli seeds about a week ago and the rainy season is about to set in here in Nigeria. Can you kindly advice on how I should take care of them until harvest during this season?
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12 Oct 15, Javed karim (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Dear sir .i want to know which time is best to plant Broccoli. I am from HUNZA pakistan, and I want to check according to our climate.I need your guidance.
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28 Mar 16, Andrew (Australia - temperate climate)
Javed, in Australia Broccoli grows best during the cooler months, it can be grown over summer here but tends to bolt and go to seed quicker in summer, I plant it in early to mid Autumn, it just depends on the climate where you live
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08 Oct 15, John harmer (Australia - temperate climate)
What do you do with the plants that are all green and leafy with yellow flowers . Pull them out and start again . with watering with plenty of water. Thank you.
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25 Sep 15, bella (Australia - tropical climate)
Hi i have broccolini plants growing tall and leafy with loads of flowers no heads what can i do to get heads to eat? First time ive grown them?
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28 Mar 16, (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Bella Sounds like they bolted due to not enough water :( They do like consistent water, without it, they bolt to flower as you've experienced. I realise your question is a few months old now but hope it helps next time you grow them :)
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17 May 15, Wayne (Australia - temperate climate)
I planted Broccoli in late February this year and my calendar is telling me I should have harvested several times now but all I have is a tall strong green plant with nothing on them. I have plenty of new growth leaves coming on in the middle of the plant tho. So far we had a couple of frosts last week just gone but has been relatively general warm autum days of about 20 deg with minimums of about 5 deg at night bar the couple of days when it frosted. I am in Tamworth NSW. Is this normal? And the same with my brussel sprouts?
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Hi, one of my broccoli plants have a head already and we had cut the head off. Should I remove the plant now? thanks!

- Marjorie

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