Family: Brassicaceae
Binomial name: Brassica oleracea
Life Cycle: Biennial (usually grown as an annual)
In this guide, broccoli plants are classified as head-forming types or leaf types. Head-forming types of broccoli are grown primarily for their heads (clusters of flower buds), though their leaves and stems may also be eaten. This group includes both standard broccoli and sprouting broccoli. Leaf types of broccoli are grown primarily for their leaves and stems; often the entire plant is harvested at once. This group includes Chinese broccoli and Spigariello.
Some other plants are known as ‘broccoli’ but are different species botanically. This guide is still relevant as these plants are grown in the same way as broccoli. Rapini or broccoli raab (Brassica rapa) is an example that’s grown in a similar way to head-forming broccoli.
Broccoli is a cool season crop. Use the table below to identify the best time of year to sow broccoli in your climate.
JAN | FEB | MAR | APR | MAY | JUN | JUL | AUG | SEP | OCT | NOV | DEC | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cool | ||||||||||||
Temperate | ||||||||||||
Sub-Tropical | ||||||||||||
Tropical | ||||||||||||
Arid |
Broccoli plants are best grown in full sun. Choose a location that will receive at least 6 hours of full sun each day.
Broccoli plants need a well drained soil enriched with plenty of organic matter. Prepare soil by weeding it thoroughly, digging it over to loosen it and adding aged animal manure or compost. Keep the area free of weeds until planting.
Broccoli seeds do not require any treatment (eg soaking, stratification) before sowing.
Broccoli seeds can be sown directly into the garden OR seedlings can be raised in trays or other containers and transplanted to the garden once established.
Broccoli is a cool season crop that will bolt in very hot weather. Do not transplant seedlings or sow seeds outside in very warm temperatures.
Broccoli plants may need watering during the growing season. Water when the soil is dry about 5cm below the surface (test this by scratching away a little soil with your finger). Water deeply in the early morning or late afternoon. Avoid watering the leaves of plants to avoid fungal diseases. Learn more about watering here.
If soil was well prepared no extra fertiliser should be necessary. In poor soil or to give your plants an extra boost, application of a fertiliser can be beneficial:
Head-forming types - Use a balanced fertiliser or one formulated for fruit and vegetables.
Leaf types - Use a high-nitrogen fertiliser or one formulated for leafy greens or herbs.
Broccoli should be ready to harvest in approximately 60-120 days.
Head-forming types - Heads are ready to be harvested when they are fully grown but before any flowers open. Cut off the head with about 10-15cm of stem. Plants will continue to produce new side shoots after the initial harvest. Store heads in a perforated plastic bag in the fridge. For long term storage, broccoli can be blanched then frozen.
Leaf types - Plants are ready to harvest when they are fully grown and before any flowers open. Cut whole plants just above soil level. Eat broccoli leaves and stems as soon as possible after harvesting. Store leaves short term in a perforated plastic bag in the fridge. For long term storage leaves and stems can be pickled.
Like all plants, broccoli is susceptible to some pests, diseases and other problems. Below is a list of the most common problems gardeners encounter when growing broccoli plants: