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

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26 Jun 14, mick (Australia - temperate climate)
i brought broccoli from a local market as seedlings, planted growing well, matter a fact they are at least 45cm, but no sign of broccoli??? what am i doing wrong they have been in the ground at least 6 weeks, maybe more
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23 Jun 14, Lynne Smith (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
When and how to plant Broccoli in Durban...Thank you.
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09 Jun 14, Mothati Bagwasi Gabasiane (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
Can you add fertiliser as additional nutrition to manure? If so which is best?
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04 Mar 14, bux coetzee (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
Need to plant in tunnels to provide broccoli in winter /what watering system best/ soil preparation particular requirements/ temp to maintain ? combine with other ie greenpeppers BUX
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03 Mar 14, Jacque Cubin (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
I am now 65 years old and don't remember broccoli being avaible when I was a chlid. In fact i'm thinking that i only became aware of it in the last 20 years or so. Can anyone answer my query please.
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29 Dec 13, Maria (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
My broccoli have many , but many little leafs but not any head, it is like bush and don't produce nothing, or some of them have already little flowers, but still not head. If someone can help me with an explanation Thank you Maria
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01 Mar 14, KEVIN ATKINS (Australia - temperate climate)
Maria I think Dec is a little too early for the cooler temp leaf veg. I'd sow seed now,still warm enough to germinate or buy a punnet of seedlings which are more advanced. Plant them out keep the water up to them while young and they will go.Good luck Kev
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28 Nov 13, David (Australia - tropical climate)
can you grow broccoli and cabbages in the qld summer?
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16 Oct 13, Trudi (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
"If left without water they will bolt to seed and be inedible" - I refer your comment above - I think this is what happened to my broccoli - no heads but long sprouts - I presume that is what you refer to as "bolt to seed". I water my veggies every morning, are there any other factors that may cause this ? I presume I can't eat the long sprouts - do I cut it out and wait for the additional crops ?
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19 Oct 13, (Australia - arid climate)
Those long sprouts are delicious You may even have planted out a brocolini
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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.
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