Growing Guide
How to Grow Broccoli
A complete, definitive, simple, and free guide to growing tasty big heads of broccoli in your own yard.
Selecting the Type of Broccoli You Want to Grow
Fastest Growing Broccoli: Di Cicco Broccoli
Most Heat and Cold Resistant: Belstar Broccoli
Best Sprouting Broccoli: Burgundy by Botanical Interests
Best Broccoli for Freezing and Storing: Di Cicco and Waltham 29 Broccoli
Resistant to Fusarium Yellows: Burgundy Sprouting Broccoli
Best Variety for Containers: Waltham 29 Broccoli
Biggest Heads I’ve Grown: Belstar Broccoli
Broccoli Germination Temperatures
Minimum SoilTemperature: 40°F
Ideal Soil Temperature: 65°F to 75°F
Maximum Soil Temperature: 90° F
Average Days to Emerge: 3-10
Broccoli seedlings do fairly well in warmer temperatures, but as they mature, they prefer cooler temps.
Broccoli Growing Profile
Sunlight
6 Hours of Full Sun is Ideal to Produce Largest Florets
Broccoli Does Still Grow Well in Partial Shade, Especially in Warmer Climates
Soil
Well Draining Sandy Loam Soil, Free of Debris
Slightly Compacted Prior to Planting
Soil pH 6 to 6.5
Water
1 to 1 1/2 Inches of Water per Week
Water More Often During First Week to Help Plants Establish
Water Every 4-5 Days Afterward
Spray Leaves on Hot Days to Cool Plant
Do Not Wet Broccoli Florets to Avoid Rot
Soil Temperature
Ideal: 65°F to 75°F
Cold Tolerance: 24°F
Heat Tolerance: 95°F
Temps over 95°F for 3 days will most likely negatively affect florets.
How to Plant Broccoli Plants
Seed Depth: 1/8 to 1/4 inch
Spacing: 12 to 24” apart, the more space, the larger the floret
Transplanting: When starting seeds indoors, transplant after 4-6 weeks when they have 4 or more true leaves on them. Broccoli transplants well, similar to onions.
Before planting, test soil and apply fertilizers as needed, working them into the top 4 inches of soil.
Water immediately after planting and use mulch to keep soil moist and cool.
Plant different varieties at the same time to enjoy multiple harvests at different times.
Click here for a detailed guide on planting broccoli seeds. (coming soon)
Click here for reviews of the best broccoli fertilizers. (coming soon)
Click here to see the results of my broccoli spacing experiment. (coming soon)
To soak or not to soak broccoli seeds. Does it make a difference? (coming soon)