How to Grow Broccoli

How to Grow Broccoli from seed to harvest. Broccoli does well throughout the growing season and will produce broccoli for most of it.

Broccoli is one of my favorite things to grow. I love that I can go out to the garden at dinner time and cut what I need.

Actually that is one of my favorite parts of gardening. I love being able to go out to the garden and get what I need rather than going to the store.

Broccoli from the garden looks a little different than the broccoli you buy from the store. It usually has smaller heads. But has amazing flavor.

Broccoli was never my favorite vegetable until I grew it myself. I love the way fresh from the garden broccoli tastes. Homegrown broccoli is great steamed with butter and salt and it’s great in dishes as well.

Selecting Variety:

There isn’t a lot of options when it comes to broccoli. There is a variety that looks really cool.  It’s made up of a pattern that is a fractal. I haven’t tried this variety, but really should since I am fascinated with fractals. There is also a variety that is purple.  I have stuck with traditional looking broccoli – Broccoli de Cicco.

Planting:

Broccoli can be grown in the ground, raised beds, or containers. The plants will get to be about 24″ high. They don’t need to be supported.

Starting seeding inside: Seeds can be started inside or out about the same time – 4 to 6 weeks before the average last frost. Plant 6 seeds, 1/4″ deep. Thin when they are about 2″ tall. Transplant outside close to the average last frost.  Plant with 18″ between each plant.  Space between rows should be 18″. 

Sowing seeds outside: Start seeds outside 4 to 6 weeks before the average lost frost. Follow the directions for starting seeds inside except for transplanting. You will not need to do this.

Water consistently. The florets do not like to be wet. Watering from the bottom is best. Plants do well in full sun in cooler weather and partial sun in warmer weather. I plant mine in full sun and haven’t had problems with them when it gets hotter.

Harvesting: 

Harvest broccoli when florets are 3″ in diameter. This will encourage other florets to grow larger. 

Cooking with Broccoli:

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