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 Dec 09, (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I have grown brocolli successfully this year for the first time and we have had many meals with them, but now they are flowering and I don't know whether to pull them out or leave them to go to seed. Will they self seed and come up again next year?
Reply or Post a new comment
16 Nov 09, Jan (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I have four baby broccoli plants but the leaves have been eaten away by a caterpillar (I think), Does this mean I won't get any heads?
Reply or Post a new comment
06 Nov 09, Bruce (Australia - temperate climate)
i have grown a variety of broccli "geen dragon" all plants had lovely heads but were very small (30 to 40 mm diameter)while waiting for the heads to get bigger they just went spindely & yellow. appreciate any ideas.
Reply or Post a new comment
25 Oct 09, Bron (Australia - temperate climate)
Keeping the plant after it has bolted (gone to flower, then seed) is a great way to keep growing the vege without having to buy more seed :D Just wait till the seed pods dry. I grew my first lot last season (can't believe I took so long to start!) and how much sweeter is homegrown than even organic bought!
Reply or Post a new comment
12 Oct 09, Jenny (Australia - temperate climate)
I have left 1 broccoli plant which the yellow flowers are out. Is it possible to get seeds for re planting next year?
Reply or Post a new comment
07 Oct 09, Megan (Australia - temperate climate)
I am growing broccoli for the first time and have planted seedlings in soil which is about 60% soil, 40% compost. The plants are growing well, although the leaves have begun to turn a rather bright blue. Does anyone know what causes this or if I have a problem?
Reply or Post a new comment
20 Sep 09, Sumudi (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Hi, I growing Broccoli for the first time. Out of 10 well grown plants, I had only one plant forming a flowhead. I am wondering why the others didn't form flowheads. Also does the plants produce seeds that can be used next year?
Reply or Post a new comment
14 Sep 09, Emily (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Broccoli growers!! My broccoli has now gone to flower, with plenty of little sprouts forming. Shall i leave this in the ground to eventually replenish and grow again, or shall i whip it out of the garden? Cheers
Reply or Post a new comment
30 Aug 09, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Iainie, you may be growing sprouting broccoli which will not produce a compact head but lots of loose ones. When the weather is hot and/or dry broccoli will flower quite quickly.
Reply or Post a new comment
30 Aug 09, lainie (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
My brocoli grows beautifully, and healthy leaves. Its a totally organic garden, and the majority of the soil is well broken down horse manure. however i cant seem to get heads to form. when they do they go straight to flower. Why is this happening?
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 231 - 240 of 313 comments
See comments for all plants

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.