Botanical name: Brassica oleracea

Plant type: Vegetable

USDA Hardiness Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Sun exposure: Full Sun
Soil type: Sandy
Soil pH: Slightly Acidic to Neutral
Broccoli is a cool-season crop that, like spinach, can be grown in the spring or fall. In fact, you may
be able to get a continual harvest throughout both seasons if you time planting correctly. A member
of the cabbage family, broccoli is rich in vitamins.

Planting

Broccoli can germinate in soil with temperatures as low as 40F.

Broccoli requires full sun and moist, fertile soil that's slightly acidic. Work in 2 to 4 inches of
rich compost or a thin layer of manure before planting.

For spring plantings, seed or set transplants 2 to 3 weeks before last spring frost date. If you
transplant, assume 10 less days for growth or the "days to maturity" on the seed packet.

For fall plantings, seed 85 to 100 days before your average first fall frost. If you live in a
warm climate, a fall planting is best, as broccoli thrives in cool weather. Plant seeds in midto late-summer in most places.

Plant seeds 1/2 inch deep, or set transplants slightly deeper than they were grown originally.

Within a row, space your plants 12 to 24 inches apart with 36 inches between each row.

Space plants 12 to 24 inches apart, depending on the side heads you want to harvest.

If you overseed, you will need to thin seedlings to 12 inches apart to give room for the
broccoli to grow.

Care

Fertilize three weeks after transplanting.

Provide consistent soil moisture with regular watering, especially in drought conditions.
Some varieties of broccoli are heat tolerant, but all need moisture.

Do not get developing heads wet when watering.

Roots are very shallow, do not cultivate. Suffocate weeds with mulch.

Mulch will also help to keep soil temperatures down.

Pests

Flea Beetles
Aphids: Curling leaves may mean that the plant's sap is being sucked by insects. Apply
soapy water to all sides of leaves whenever you see aphids.

Downy mildew: Yellow patches on leaves are usually caused by moist weather. Keep leaves
as dry as possible with good air circulation. Buy resistant varieties.

Cabbage loopers: Small holes on the leaves between the veins mean small

green caterpillars are present. Look at the undersides of the leaves. Hand pick if the problem
is small or control with Bacillus thuringiensis. Use a floating row cover just after planting
through harvest to prevent caterpillars.
Cabbageworms and other worm pests: Treat same as loopers.
Whiteflies

Nitrogen deficiency: If the bottom leaves turn yellow and the problem continues toward the
top of the plant, the plants need a high nitrogen (but low phosphorus) fertilizer or
bloodmeal. Blood meal is a quick Nitrogen fix for yellowing leaves.

Clubroot: Quickly wilting plants may be due to this fungus in the soil. The entire plant,
including all roots and root tendrils, must be gently dug up and removed. If the roots are
gnarled and misshapen, then clubroot is the problem. Act quickly to remove the plants so
that the fungus doesn't continue to live in the soil. Do not compost the plants. Raise the pH
of your soil to above 7.2. You may need to sterilize your soil, too.

Harvest/Storage

In terms of timing: Harvest broccoli when the buds of the head are firm and tight before the
heads flower. If you do see yellow petals, harvest immediately.

For best taste, harvest in the morning before the soil heats up.

Cut heads from the plant. taking at least 6 inches of stem.

Cut the stalk of the main head at a slant, about 5 to 8 inches below the head.

Most varieties have side-shoots that will continue to develop after the main head is
harvested. You can harvest from one plant for many weeks, in some cases, from spring to
fall, if youre summer isnt too hot.

Store broccoli in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you wash before storing, make sure to
dry it thoroughly.

Broccoli can be blanched and frozen for up to one year.

Recommended Varieties

Green Goliath is heat-tolerant and sprouts side shoots that will mature for harvesting.

Green Duke is heat tolerant and an early variety that's especially good for Southern
gardeners.

Calabrese is a prolific Italian heirloom that sprouts side shoots that will mature for
harvesting. Great for fall planting, too.

'Flash' is a fast-growing heat-resistant hybrid with good side-shoot production once the
central head is cut. Great for fall planting, too.

Paragon is a popular variety in Canada.