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Growing Broccoli

(Brassica sp.)

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
  S P P         P      

(Best months for planting Broccoli in USA - Zone 5a regions)

S = Plant undercover in seed trays. P = Plant direct in garden where they are to grow.


  • 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. - Recommended soil pH 6 - 7.
  • Compatible with: Dwarf (bush) beans, beets, celery, cucumber, onions, marigold, nasturtium, rhubarb, aromatic herbs (sage, dill, chamomile, oregano)
  • Avoid growing with: Climbing (pole) beans, tomato, peppers (chilli, capsicum), eggplant (aubergine), strawberry, mustard
  • Early stage
  • Nearly ready for harvest
  • Side shoot regrowth after main head cut

Your comments and tips

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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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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?
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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 =)
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03 Jan 12, Lisa (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I note some plants say don't plant with certain types. does this just mean not in same garden bed? or not at same time? so one after the other? or same time but seperate beds? I have yet to start a vegie garden and am trying to decide what i'd like to plant and when. and broccolli and tomato are plants i'd like to attempt growing. thanks for any tips
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08 Jan 12, kate (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
companioning planting is In the same garden bed Each garden bed should have it's own companion planting for whatever vegetables you are planting at that time. If it statesa vegetable with another one, but you can't plant the other one due to a months difference, it doesnt matter, cause once you put that other plant into companion the other original plant, it still works well, due to the timing of the plants for when they are meant to grow
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23 Oct 11, Zoe (Australia - temperate climate)
What soil type does broccoli grow in best?
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well rotted chook poo is the best but don't forget to also add some potash. dynamic lifter for veges as a short cut and protection from possible e coli

- georgi


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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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