Growing Broccoli

Brassica sp. : Brassicaceae / the mustard or cabbage family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
      S S              
        T T T          

(Best months for growing Broccoli in Australia - tropical regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • 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 7°C and 30°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 35 - 50 cm 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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31 Aug 20, Anonymous (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
If really big leafy plants then your soil was too rich in Nitrogen.
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06 Aug 20, Anthony Ryan (Australia - temperate climate)
My broccoli plants have finished producing main flower heads some side shoots are still growing though. Once they finish producing flower buds do you pull out the plant or cut or trim it so it will regrow next winter. I have heard both broccoli and cauliflowers are biennial if so what should I do for my cauliflowers also. Any help would be greatly appreciated
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07 Aug 20, Anon (Australia - temperate climate)
Some (sprouting) are perennial some are annual. I don't know why anyone would trim the plant then look after it for 6-8 months. Far less work to just pull it out and replant new seed/seedlings next Autumn.
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11 Jul 20, Sue Hotker (Australia - tropical climate)
What direction should I plant broccoli and cabbage, eg. nth, sth, west or east facing? Morning or afternoon sun?
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13 Jul 20, (Australia - temperate climate)
N S is probably the best thought it wouldn't matter really. Sun all day.
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04 Jun 20, Glenn (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Does anyone know where I can buy Green Dragon Broccoli seeds in Australia?
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05 Jun 20, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Try Oasis Horticulture on the net - you will probably have to contact them.
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03 Jun 20, John (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I have some brocoli seedlings about 50mm tall. Should i try them or leave them til next season? Thank you
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03 Jun 20, Anonymous (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Plant them out asap, make sure you have good rich soil (not too much N though) and water regularly.
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31 May 20, Denise (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi there, I have broccoli growing and aquadulce broad beans. Are these compatible? I don’t think these beans climb as much as some others but find it hard to distinguish between dwarf and climbing for these. Thank you!
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Showing 11 - 20 of 248 comments
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My broccoli plants have finished producing main flower heads some side shoots are still growing though. Once they finish producing flower buds do you pull out the plant or cut or trim it so it will regrow next winter. I have heard both broccoli and cauliflowers are biennial if so what should I do for my cauliflowers also. Any help would be greatly appreciated

- Anthony Ryan

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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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