The Complete Guide to Growing Broccoli

Learn to grow broccoli with the complete guide to growing broccoli at home!

Broccoli is typically started indoors from seed, about 4- 6 weeks before your desired transplant date. This can be as early as 2-6 weeks before your last spring frost date or 6-8 weeks before your first fall frost date. Broccoli grows best with consistently cool temperatures of the spring & fall in most growing areas. Optimal growing temperatures are in the 60s, no higher than 75F. Temperatures which are too hot may cause bolting or buttoning (which is the development of small heads that are not desirable for harvesting). Established plants can withstand temperatures down to 25F.
To start broccoli indoors, sow seeds ¼” deep in seed-starting media, moisten media and keep evenly moist as seedlings are growing. Seeds should germinate in 5-7 days at temperatures of around 70-75F.
Begin fertilizing seedlings once they have their second set of true leaves. Seedlings can be transplanted after they are about 4-6” tall with 2-4 sets of leaves.
Harden off your seedlings before transplanting- hardening off is a process of slowly acclimating tender seedlings to outdoor conditions. Bring seedling flats outdoors and place in a protected spot, gradually increasing the time seedlings spend outdoors over the course of several days to a week.
When transplanting broccoli seedlings, space plants 18-24” apart and space rows 30-36” apart. To protect young seedlings from extreme cold and pests, you may want to cover them with a row cover after planting.
Broccoli grows best in full sun and in fertile, well-drained soil. Broccoli is a heavy feeder-- for best results, work compost or aged manure into the soil before planting. Feed with a balanced, slow release fertilizer when transplanting and then again when small heads begin to form.
Once planted, give your seedlings a generous drink of water and provide with consistent, plentiful moisture as they grow- 1” of water per week is ideal.
Broccoli is ready to harvest 50-80 days after transplanting, depending on the variety you are growing. Harvest when heads are full sized and buds are tight, before heads start to flower. Heads will typically be 5-8” in diameter. Cut heads from the plant about 6” down the main stem. Many varieties of broccoli will produce smaller side shoots after the main head is harvested.


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