🥦 Broccoli: Growing Guide
Broccoli (Brassica oleracea italica) grows best in full sun with regular watering, and does well at 4–24 °C (39–75 °F) in soil with a pH of 6.0–7.0. Space plants about 45 cm (18 in) apart. Expect 80–100 days.
Quick facts
| Scientific name | Brassica oleracea italica |
|---|---|
| Category | Vegetables |
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Watering | Regular |
| Plant spacing | 45 cm (18 in) |
| Soil pH | 6.0–7.0 |
| Comfortable temperature | 4–24 °C (39–75 °F) |
| Time to maturity | 80–100 days |
| Sowing depth | 0.5 cm (0.2 in) |
| Height | 60–90 cm (24–35 in) |
When to sow, plant and harvest
The calendar below shows the best months in each climate zone. Pick the zone closest to your garden.
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mediterranean | Sow | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | |||||||
| Continental | Sow | Sow | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | ||||||
| Oceanic | Sow | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | ||||
| Subtropical | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Sow | |||
| Tropical | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | ||||
| Cold / Northern | Sow | Sow | Plant out | Sow | Harvest | Harvest | ||||||
| Arid / Semi-arid | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Sow |
- Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Sow: Jul–Aug · Plant out: Sep · Harvest: Oct–Nov.
- Continental (Central/Northern Europe, inland Balkans): Sow: Mar–Apr, Aug · Plant out: Sep · Harvest: Oct–Nov.
- Oceanic (UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, NW Europe): Sow: Feb–Mar, Aug · Plant out: Apr, Sep · Harvest: May, Oct–Nov.
- Subtropical (Southern US, N. Africa, Middle East): Sow: Aug, Dec–Jan · Plant out: Feb, Sep · Harvest: Mar–Apr, Oct–Nov.
- Tropical (SE Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Amazon): Sow: Jan, Jul · Plant out: Feb, Aug · Harvest: Mar–Apr, Sep–Oct.
- Cold / Northern (Scandinavia, Canada, Russia, Alpine): Sow: Apr–May, Aug · Plant out: Jun · Harvest: Sep–Oct.
- Arid / Semi-arid (Arabian Peninsula, inland Australia): Sow: Aug, Dec–Jan · Plant out: Feb, Sep · Harvest: Mar–Apr, Oct–Nov.
Watering
Water about every 3 days in summer and about every 7 days in winter. Steady moisture for a good head.
Growing tips
Cool weather improves sweetness. Cut the central head and side shoots will follow.
Good companion plants
These plants grow well alongside it:
Common pests and problems
Frequently asked questions
Broccoli: when should I sow and plant it?
Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Sow: Jul–Aug · Plant out: Sep · Harvest: Oct–Nov. Continental (Central/Northern Europe, inland Balkans): Sow: Mar–Apr, Aug · Plant out: Sep · Harvest: Oct–Nov. Oceanic (UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, NW Europe): Sow: Feb–Mar, Aug · Plant out: Apr, Sep · Harvest: May, Oct–Nov.
Broccoli: how often should I water it?
Water about every 3 days in summer and about every 7 days in winter. Steady moisture for a good head.
Broccoli: how far apart should I plant it?
Plant about 45 cm (18 in) apart and sow at a depth of about 0.5 cm (0.2 in).
Broccoli: how long does it take to grow?
Plan on 80–100 days.
Broccoli: which plants grow well with it?
Celery, Dill, Rosemary.
Broccoli: which pests and problems should I watch for?
Cabbage caterpillar, Aphids.
Plan your garden
Add Broccoli to your garden design in the free GardenXPro planner: drag plants onto a 2D plan, preview it in 3D, check companions and get watering reminders.
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