Broccoli Growing Guide

Broccoli Growing Guide

Broccoli Growing Guide: Tips for Planting, Care, and Harvesting

Broccoli is a popular cool-weather vegetable that offers a delicious and nutritious harvest. Whether you are planting a spring or fall crop, understanding broccoli varieties, proper planting techniques, and pest management will help you enjoy a productive garden.

Click here to access the complete Broccoli Growing Guide (PDF) for detailed information on soil preparation, planting, and long-term care.

Types of Broccoli

Calabrese: Short-season Italian variety with thick stems and dark green heads. Produces one large head and many side shoots.
Raab: Italian heirloom known for tender flower shoots and strap-leaves. Best for cool weather but not suitable for cold winters.
Romanesco: Hybrid between broccoli and cauliflower with spiral heads and a nutty flavor. Long-season variety.
Purple Sprouting: Cold-hardy to below 10°F, producing sweet purple heads in spring. Suitable for fall planting.
Chinese (Chinese Kale): Grown for its succulent stalks and flavorful leaves. Slightly bitter, best harvested when buds are closed.

Best Growing Conditions for Broccoli

Soil and Temperature:

pH: 6.0–7.0
Preferred Temperature: 60–65°F (Tolerates 40–75°F)
Seed Longevity: About 3 years when stored properly.

Planting and Spacing:

Spacing: Sow seeds 4–6 inches apart, thin to 12–24 inches, with rows 18–36 inches apart.
Companion Plants: Beets, spinach, chard, garlic, potatoes, cucumbers, rosemary.
Incompatible Plants: Cabbage, cauliflower, eggplant, beans, tomatoes, strawberries.

Watering and Fertilizing Broccoli

Watering: Use drip or furrow irrigation to water deeply at soil level and prevent stunted growth. Maintain consistent moisture using mulch.
Fertilization: Broccoli is a heavy feeder. Apply side dressings of nitrogen (e.g., feather meal or blood meal) every 4 weeks, tapering off after heads form. Use nitrogen-fixing cover crops like PV Soil Builder Mix or Nitro-Max Plow Down Mix in crop rotations.

How to Plant and Grow Broccoli

Spring Planting:

Start Indoors: 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Transplant Outdoors: 2–3 weeks before the last spring frost. Use Agribon AG15 row covers for protection.
Mulch: To suppress weeds and retain moisture.

Fall Planting:

Direct Sow: Between July and August, or 85–100 days before the first fall frost.
Best for Mild Winter Climates: Purple sprouting broccoli is ideal for late summer to fall planting as it thrives in cool weather and overwinters well.
Watering: Maintain consistent moisture and mulch for temperature regulation.

Harvesting Broccoli

When to Harvest: Cut heads while they are still tight, before they split or bolt. Use a sharp knife to cut at an angle, leaving 6 inches of stem attached.
Side Shoots: After harvesting the main head (except Romanesco), continue harvesting side shoots for extended production.
Purple Sprouting: Ideal for early spring harvest after overwintering.

Common Broccoli Pests and Diseases

Pests:

Aphids: Found on leaf undersides or flower heads. Control with strong water sprays, beneficial insects (like ladybugs), or organic insecticides.
Lepidopteran Pests: Includes cabbage loopers, armyworms, and cabbage worms. Hand-pick, use beneficial insects, or organic insecticides.
Flea Beetles: Cause tiny holes in leaves. Use sticky traps, row covers, or organic insecticides.
Harlequin Bugs: Create white spots on leaves. Hand-pick or use row covers and organic insecticides.
Swede Midge: Prevent with row covers and organic insecticides.

Diseases:

Downy Mildew: Caused by poor air circulation and wet leaves. Use drip irrigation, keep foliage dry, and apply organic fungicides.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for Broccoli

Cultural Controls: Remove plants promptly after harvest to eliminate insect habitats.
Clean Transplants: Use only disease-free seedlings.
Crop Rotation: Rotate cole crops every 3 years to prevent pest buildup.
Row Covers: Use Agribon AG15 covers before insects arrive.

Why Grow Broccoli?

Nutrient-Rich: High in vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants.
Multiple Harvests: Continuous side shoots after harvesting the central head.
Cold-Hardy: Perfect for spring and fall planting.
Diverse Varieties: Wide selection from Calabrese to Romanesco.

Back to blog