Broccoli Growing Guide

This Broccoli Growing Guide is here to answer all your questions on how to better your results when growing this superfood. We cover all things planting, spacing, irrigation and pests in this guide alongside which variety might better suit your and your gardening area.

Quick Overview

Category	Details
Planting Time	Early Spring and Fall
Soil Temperature	80-85°F for germination
Sunlight Requirements	Full sun (6+ hours/day)
Watering Requirements	1" per week
Spacing (In-Ground)	Rows: 24–36", Plants: 12–18"
Spacing (Raised Bed)	12–16" apart
Fertilizer Guidelines	Heavy feeder – amend before planting and side-dress

Growing Guide Details

Plant Classifications

Broccoli growth habits vary: Heading types form one large crown, ideal for bulk harvesting. Sprouting types produce many smaller shoots over time, perfect for continual picking. Broccolini offers tender stems and compact growth, great for small-space gardeners.

What Variety to Choose?

💡

Green Magic: Great all-around heat tolerant hybrid for consistent heads.

Waltham 29: Classic, cold hardy heirloom for fall harvests.

Purple Magic: Unique purple color and delicious flavor, excellent for cool season gardens.

Emerald Crown: Great for the growing along the east coast of the USA.

When to Plant

· Spring: Start seeds indoors 5–7 weeks before last frost. Transplant 1–2 weeks before last frost.

· Fall: Start seeds in midsummer for transplanting in late summer/early fall.

· Pro Tip: For best head development, avoid planting during hot spells. Broccoli thrives in temps between 55–75°F.

Light & Space Requirements

Sunlight: Full sun (6+ hours/day) is essential.

In-Ground:

Row spacing: 24–36 in

Plant spacing: 12–18 in

Raised Beds: 12–16 in between plants

Pro Tip: We recommend transplanting broccoli and starting germination indoors.

Green Magic Broccoli

Soil & Fertility

Soil Requirements:

pH between 6.0–7.0

Rich in compost or organic matter

Well-draining, but moisture-retentive

Fertilizer Schedule:

Before Planting:
Mix 1½ cups of HOSS Complete Organic Fertilizer per 10 ft of row

2-3 Weeks After Transplanting:
Sidedress with 2 cups of HOSS Complete Organic Fertilizer per 10 ft row.

If using Fertilizer injector, 1 cup 20-20-20 Fertilizer and 1-2 cups microboost per 20 ft row.

3-4 Weeks after transplanting:

Side dress of one cup of Hoss All-In-One Fertilizer per 10 ft of row.

If using fertilizer injector, Mix 1 cup of Hoss Premium Calcium Nitrate and 1-2 cups of Hoss Micro-Boost Micronutrient Supplement per 20-30 ft. row.

Pro Tip: Consistent feeding improves head size and flavor.

Pest & Disease Control

Pest/Disease	Control Method
Thrips	Garden Insect Spray
Horn Worms	Garden Insect Spray, Monterey BT, Take Down, Take Out
Cabbage Looper	Garden Insect Spray, Monterey BT, Take Out
Aphids	Horticulture Oil, Bug Buster-O, Take Down, Neem Oil, Take Out
Flea Beetle	Horticulture Oil, Bug Buster-O, Take Down, Take Out
Whiteflies	Horticulture Oil, Bug Buster-O, Take Down, Take Out
Cutworms	Diatomaceous Earth, Take Out
Pythium Damping-off	Complete Disease Control, Garden Phos
Black Rot	Liquid Copper
Downey Mildew	Liquid Copper, Garden Phos
Powdery Mildew	Garden Phos
Alternaria	Garden Phos

Irrigation & Watering Schedule

· Needs 1–1.5” water per week

· Keep soil consistently moist (not soggy)

· Use Drip Irrigation Kits to avoid wetting leaves

Purple Magic Broccoli

Harvesting & Storage

Harvest: when heads are tight and 4–7” across. Cut the main head at an angle with 6” stem. Side shoots will regrow for continued harvests.
Storage: Refrigerate fresh broccoli for up to 5 days. Blanch and freeze for long-term storage.
Preservation Tip: Avoid washing until ready to use to prevent rot.

Sustainability & Garden Tips

· Rotate crops each year (don’t follow with other brassicas)

· Add spent broccoli plants to compost if disease-free

· Mulch to retain moisture & suppress weeds

FAQs

Can broccoli grow in containers?

Yes, use large pots (at least 12” deep) and provide consistent water/fertilizer.

Why is my broccoli flowering early?

It’s “bolting” due to heat stress. Plant earlier or choose heat-tolerant varieties.

Can I eat broccoli leaves?

Absolutely. They’re nutrient-dense and great sautéed or in soups.

What companion plants help broccoli?

Onions, beets, celery, herbs like chamomile and dill.

How long does broccoli take to mature?

Most varieties take 60–80 days from transplant.

Published on May 23, 2023
Updated on July 16, 2025

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