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"
- 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