Broccoli Growing Guide

All you need to know to grow successfully!

Plant Family:
Brassica
Plant Type:
Annual

Square Foot Spacing:

1
Typical Season:
Cool season
Typical Zones Grown In:
3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Growing Difficulty:
Easy

Broccoli is a nutritious vegetable that belongs to the cabbage family. It has a distinctive green color and a complex flavor that is slightly bitter and nutty. Broccoli is an excellent source of vitamins C and K, fiber, and other nutrients. It is commonly eaten cooked or raw and is a versatile ingredient in many dishes, such as stir-fries, soups, and salads. Broccoli is a cool-season crop that is typically grown in the spring and fall. It prefers well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight. When harvesting broccoli, it’s best to cut the central head when it’s firm and tight and before the yellow flowers appear. The side shoots that develop after the central head is harvested can also be harvested and used in cooking. Broccoli is easy to grow and a popular choice for home gardeners who want to add a nutritious vegetable to their diet.

How to Grow Broccoli Organically

Here is a brief guide on how to grow broccoli organically:

  1. Choose the right variety: Broccoli comes in many different varieties, so choose one that is suitable for your growing conditions and climate.
  2. Start indoors: Broccoli can be started indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date in your area. Use a good quality seed starting mix and keep the soil moist.
  3. Transplant: When the seedlings are around 4-6 inches tall, transplant them into the garden bed. Choose a spot that receives full sun and has well-drained soil.
  4. Soil preparation: Broccoli prefers soil that is rich in organic matter, so amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure before planting. The soil pH should be between 6.0 and 7.0.
  5. Watering: Broccoli needs consistent moisture to grow properly, so water deeply and regularly. Avoid getting water on the leaves to prevent fungal diseases.
  6. Fertilizer: Use an organic fertilizer high in nitrogen to promote leafy growth. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to poor quality heads.
  7. Pest control: Broccoli is susceptible to pests such as aphids, cabbage worms, and flea beetles. Use organic methods to control these pests, such as row covers, handpicking, and neem oil.
  8. Harvest: Harvest the broccoli heads when they are firm and tight, but before they start to flower. Cut the heads with a sharp knife, leaving a few inches of stem attached. Secondary shoots will grow from the stem and produce smaller heads.

By following these steps, you can successfully grow broccoli organically and enjoy a bountiful harvest of this nutritious and delicious vegetable.

Planting Guidelines

The following are general guides to follow. However, nothing is set in stone. Feel free to experiment!

How to Start:
Start Indoor
When to Direct Sow:
When to Start Indoors:
March, April, May, June
Sprouting Time:
7-10 days

Ideal Temperature (C):

10-30
Depth:
5mm deep
Spacing (cm):
45-60cm
Row Spacing (cm):
75-90cm
Sun Exposure:
Full Sun
Maturity Time:
60-95
When To Harvest:
May, June, July, August, September, October
How to Harvest:
Harvest heads when flower buds are tightly closed

Health Benefits

Growing your own food is one of the best things you can do for your health. Let’s check out some of the health benefits!

Is It Edible?
Yes
Edible Parts:
Unopened flowers (Heads)
Potential Health Benefits:
Nutrient-Dense, Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, Cancer-Fighting, Heart Health, Brain Health, Anti Aging, Immune Health, Bone Strength, Skin Health

Tips to Growing Organically

Growing without the use of pesticides and herbicides is easier than you may think and it’s better for the environment!

Companion Plants:
Chamomile, Dill, Mint, Rosemary, Sage
What Plants to Avoid:
Eggplant, Pepper, Potato, Tomato
Common Pests:
Cabbage White
Common Disease:
Clubroot. Prevent disease with a strict 4-year crop rotation, avoiding planting Brassicas in the same spot more than once every four years.
Bonus Grow Tips:
Keep cutting the shoots or the plant will stop producing once it has been pollinated

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