Growing guide ยท Vegetable
How to Grow Broccoli
Days to maturity65 days
Spacing18 in
SeasonCool-season
Start indoors6 wk pre-frost
Broccoli gives a satisfying central head and, if you leave the plant, a long run of side shoots. It is at its sweetest grown in cool weather.
When and how to plant
A cool-season crop, broccoli goes out before the last frost, as the dates above allow, and does especially well as a fall planting. Transplants give it the head start it likes.
Care
Full sun, rich soil, and steady water produce tight, tender heads. Even moisture prevents the buds from opening too soon.
Common problems
Cabbage worms and aphids in the head are the common pests. A floating cover keeps the moths off, and a firm spray of water knocks aphids loose.
Harvest
Cut the main head while the buds are still tight and green, before any yellow flowers show. Leave the plant and it will keep offering smaller side shoots.
Popular Broccoli varieties to grow
Choose broccoli varieties based on season length, heat tolerance, and whether you want one big central head or plenty of side shoots. For US home gardens, reliability, uniformity, and resistance to bolting are usually the biggest differences.
| Variety | Type | Days | Notes | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waltham 29 | heirloom, central head | 74-85 | A classic open-pollinated broccoli with blue-green heads and dependable performance in many regions. It is valued for cold tolerance and for producing side shoots after the main head is cut. | fall crops, succession planting, gardeners saving seed |
| Calabrese | heirloom, sprouting | 60-80 | An old Italian type grown for medium heads and plenty of side shoots. Flavor is mild and traditional, and plants are less uniform than modern hybrids. | home gardeners who want repeated harvests |
| Green Magic | hybrid, heat tolerant | 55-60 | A compact hybrid known for smooth, domed heads and good performance in warmer conditions. It matures quickly and is often more reliable than older strains in spring plantings. | spring crops, warmer regions, small gardens |
| Packman | hybrid, early | 50-60 | A widely grown early hybrid that makes tight green heads on vigorous plants. It also throws useful side shoots after the main harvest. | early harvests, beginner gardens |
| Belstar | hybrid, full-size heads | 65-75 | Belstar is known for dense, heavy heads and strong all-around garden performance. It handles variable conditions well and is a common choice for fall broccoli. | main-season harvests, reliable production |
| Di Cicco | heirloom, sprouting | 45-60 | This old heirloom produces a smaller main head followed by many tender shoots. It is less uniform than hybrid types but very productive over time in a home garden. | cut-and-come-again harvests, heirloom gardens |
Variety notes are general guidance for US home gardens; local performance varies by climate and season. Availability differs by seed supplier.
Growing Broccoli in containers
Broccoli can grow in containers, though it needs a large pot and cool-season conditions. Use one plant per 5-gallon container at least 12 to 18 inches deep, with drainage holes and rich, moisture-retentive potting mix. Water consistently, feed every few weeks, and choose compact or side-shoot varieties for a longer container harvest.
Watering & feeding Broccoli
Provide about 1 to 1.5 inches of water each week, and more during hot, dry periods. Broccoli is thirsty, particularly as heads begin to form. Water deeply at the base one or more times weekly as needed, keeping soil evenly moist but well drained. Mulch helps conserve moisture and cool roots, while drought causes wilting and loose heads and overwatering can cause yellow leaves and root disease.
Broccoli is a heavy feeder that benefits from fertile soil rich in finished compost and adequate nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Prepare the bed before planting and use a soil test to guide lime and nutrient needs. Apply compost and a balanced vegetable fertilizer before planting, then side-dress with nitrogen when plants are established and again as heads begin forming if growth needs support. Do not overapply nitrogen late in the season, since overly lush growth can delay maturity and reduce head quality. Keep water especially consistent during head formation. Harvest the main head while buds are tight, then continue watering and feeding lightly to support side shoots.
Saving Broccoli seeds
Save seed only from open-pollinated or heirloom broccoli, because F1 hybrids do not come true, and isolate it from other flowering brassicas that can cross-pollinate. Broccoli is usually biennial, though it may flower after heading in some climates, so let selected plants produce pods and wait until the pods are dry and tan. Cut stalks before pods split, thresh the seeds, dry them fully indoors, and store them cool and dry for about 4 to 5 years.
Broccoli companion plants
Good companions for broccoli include dill, cilantro, thyme, and a perimeter planting of mustard or arugula used as a monitored flea-beetle trap crop. Flowering herbs can support beneficial insects, and spicy brassicas can draw flea beetles away when the trap crop is checked and managed. Avoid planting broccoli tightly with cabbage, cauliflower, kale, and radishes, because nearby brassicas share cabbage worms, flea beetles, aphids, and clubroot risk.
When to plant Broccoli near you
Get the exact start-indoors, transplant, and fall planting dates for Broccoli at your location.
Frequently asked questions about Broccoli
When should I plant broccoli?
Plant broccoli in early spring for a spring harvest or in late summer for a fall harvest. In many parts of the US, fall broccoli is easier because it matures in cooler weather.
How long does broccoli take to grow?
Most broccoli matures in about 60 to 100 days, depending on the variety and whether you count from seed or transplant. Transplants shorten the time in the garden.
How much sun does broccoli need?
Broccoli grows best in full sun, about 6 or more hours daily. In warmer climates, a little afternoon shade can help reduce heat stress.
How far apart should broccoli be planted?
Space broccoli about 18 inches apart, with rows 2 to 3 feet apart. Good spacing helps plants form full heads.
Can broccoli grow in containers?
Yes, broccoli can grow in large containers, especially compact varieties. Use rich soil, steady moisture, and a pot big enough to support a heavy feeder.
How do I know when broccoli is ready to harvest?
Cut the main head when it is full and tight, before the buds begin to loosen or show yellow petals. Many varieties will then produce smaller side shoots.
General guidance for US home gardens. Reference figures are typical values; your exact timing depends on your local frost dates and variety. Page updated Aug 4, 2026.