Cool temperatures are key to successfully growing this popular vegetable.
The edible part of the plant is a cluster of flower buds.
In addition to head broccoli, there is also sprouting broccoli, which takes less time to grow.
Credit:Bob Stefko
They will produce heads and be ready to harvest before the hot summer weather starts.
They will form heads after the summer heat subsides and will be ready to harvest in the fall.
Sow seeds 1 inch apart and 12 inch deep in small pots filled with seed-starting mix.
Credit: Illustration by Gary Palmer
Keep the seedbed evenly moist and provide a bright light source.
To plant nursery-grown or your own seedlings, loosen the top 5 inches of soil.
Space plants 18 inches apart in rows 24 inches apart.
Credit: Illustration by Gary Palmer
Water seedlings well after planting.
Light
The planting location should receive at least 8 hours offull sunper day.
Soil and Water
Broccoli needs rich soil with apH between 6.0 and 7.0.
Credit: Illustration by Gary Palmer
If the soil is poor in nutrients, incorporatewell-decomposed compostbefore planting.
Consistent moisture is crucialbroccoli that is heat-stressed forms small heads with an off-flavor.
The number of days or weeks depends on the variety.
Fertilizer
Broccoli is a heaver feeder that requires several fertilizer applications.
For amounts, follow the label instructions.
Pruning
Standard broccoli does not require pruning.
peek if pinching is recommended for the variety you are growing.
Fill it with rich, well-draining potting soil.
Keep in mind that potted plants need more frequent watering than plants in garden soil.
Repotting won’t be necessary, as the plant concludes its lifecycle within one growing season.
Pests and Problems
Two common pests of broccoli areflea beetlesand cabbage worms.
To prevent flea beetle damage, protect the young plants with a floating row cover at planting time.
How to Propagate Broccoli
Broccoli is propagated from seed.
Harvesting
Standard broccoli is ready for harvest when the head is tight and firm.
Cut the stems at an angle to reduce the chance of rotting.
Continue harvesting smaller side shoots as they develop.
Sprouting broccoli is harvested repeatedly.
The heads are smooth, well-domed, and uniform.
The large heads up to 8 inches in diameter have a mild flavor.
It produces numerous side shoots for a continuous harvest.
There’s even a shade-providing playhouse made out of bean vines.
Spring Vegetable Garden Plan
Enjoy the freshest flavors of the season with this simplespring vegetable garden plan.
Just double-check to situate this garden in full sun.
Fall Vegetable Garden Plan
Broccoli and othercool-season cropsare part of thisfall garden planfor a four-foot-square raised bed.
Frequently Asked Questions
The time it take to grow broccoli varies.
Spring-planted varieties take about two months while summer-planted varieties take up to three months until harvest.
