Basics

Ease of Growing
Easy
Grown as
Annual
Days to Maturity
60-90 (Spring/Summer), 60-90 (Fall/Winter)
Growing Habit
-
Hardiness
Half Hardy

Broccoli isn't as hardy as cabbage, though it can be frost tolerant in temperatures as low as 20˚ F.

Crops
Spring Transplant, Spring, Fall Transplant, Fall
Growing Season
Short, Long
Cultivar Type
-
Growing Conditions
Cold, Cool

Broccoli likes full sun, especially when growing in cool weather. It will tolerate some shade, but this slows maturation.

The large plants take up quite a bit of space, but this usually isn't an issue in cooler weather, as the garden is often half empty anyway.

Outdoor Growing Temp
40°F - 75°F
Min Outdoor Soil Temp
60°F

Broccoli isn't as hardy as most other Brassicas and seedlings shouldn't go outside until the soil is at least 60˚ F.

Start Indoors
Yes
Start Outdoors
Yes
Light
Sun: min. 6 hours daily (Cold, Cool)

Broccoli prefers full sun when growing in cool weather.

Part shade (Cool, Warm)

In warm weather it will grow in light shade.

Water
Moderate

Broccoli transpires quite a lot of water and for optimal growth the soil should be moist at all times. This isn't usually a problem because it grows in fairly cool weather.

Feeder
Heavy

Like most members of the cabbage family, Broccoli is a hungry plant and needs plenty of nutrients for good growth. It doesn't like acid soil.

Suitability
Tolerates light frost, Partial shade, Needs lots of space
Small Gardens?
Yes
Containers?
Yes

For one broccoli plant, you'll need a pot that is at least 10" deep and 12" wide, but the deeper the better. Fill with a mixture of potting soil and compost and keep the soil moist but not overly wet. If you are using a larger container, be sure to space your broccoli plants at least 18 to 24" apart. Although broccoli is a cool weather plant, it loves sunshine so be sure to place the container in an area with access to at least 3 hours of full sun a day.

Attracts beneficial insects?
No
Color
Blue green
Fruit Size
- 8.0"
Plant Height
18.0 - 30.0"
Plant Diameter
18.0 - 20.0"
Good Companions
Sage, Thyme, Chamomile, German, Catnip, Shallot, Marigold, Celery, Garlic, Leek, Chard, Nasturtium, Cilantro & Coriander, Borage, Beet & Beetroot, Carrot, Cucumber, Lettuce, Onion, Spinach, Mint, Rosemary
Bad Companions
Strawberry, Tomato, Bean, Scarlet Runner, Bean
Hardiness Zone
3-10
Disease Resistance
Taste Profile

Delicious, deep flavor, can be eaten raw, steamed or cooked and stir-fried.

Rotation Group
Leaves: Brassicas + Leafy Greens