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

11 Jun 12, Chris (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
It could be too early in the season for the flower heads to develop, or maybe a bit much nitrogen promoting lots of leaf growth. Have a look down the stems - you might see head buds starting to emerge above where the leaves join the stem.
28 May 12, Keith (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I live in Centurion, not far from Bronkhorstspruit and I use the Summer Rainfall area as my guideline. We did use the subtropical guidelines when we lived near Durban. Broccoli is perhaps the easiest of the Brassicas to grow, but you should start your crop as seedlings in August/ September and transplant each seedling into a 2-3 litre pot of compost in about August. Transplant to your garden - use about a half-square metre per plant, in late September. We still have broccoli heads in late May here now, but we are blessed with warm weather. Frost may strike any day...
15 May 12, mamorena serothoane (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
i am in bronkhorstspruit, need to plant broccoli for the first time, i don't have any experience on it, could you please help with the following questions, when is the right time to plant broccoli, which cultivar could be good for my area and lastly what are production programs to follow e.g fertilization, pest control etc.
08 May 12, Linda (USA - Zone 7a climate)
Hi I live in new jersey. I cant seem to grow Broccoli. I tried two years and no good. The plants goes to seed every time. Please if you can write me back. I really dont know whats going on. Thank you Linda
10 Mar 14, GJX (USA - Zone 5a climate)
Keep well-watered as seedlings. If left without water they will bolt to seed and be inedible. The plants should grow to develop plenty of large healthy leaves, then the green flowerheads follow, which are cut for eating. Leave the plant growing after cutting the main flowerhead, and get additional crops from the sideshoots which will develop. This cool-season crop grows best when daytime temperatures are in the 60s F. Grow in both spring and fall, but avoid mid-summer crops as hot weather can cause premature bolting.
02 May 12, Diane Bailey (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I live near Coffs Harbour on the mid-north coast. I have never been successful in growng broccoli or cauliflower. Can they be grown in polystyrene boxes or planted into the garden. What type of fertilizer etc. should be used? I have no idea as to what I have been doing wrong. Any suggestions would be most welcome.
02 Apr 12, Claudia (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Can I plant broccoli in the same garden bed I have just removed tomato plants from? I've just added some blood and bone to the soil to freshen it up also.
09 Feb 12, Lee-Ann Connolly (USA - Zone 8a climate)
Hello When you say PLANT in garden is that the seed to plant in the garden where they going to grow or seedlings ? Many Thanks Lee-Ann
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?
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 =)
Showing 181 - 190 of 313 comments

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