Broccoli (Green) Growing Guide

Brassica oleracea Var. Italica

Crop Rotation Group

Brassicas (Cabbage family) ●

Soil

Rich, deep soil, firm with plenty of well rotted compost dug in.

Position

Full sun.

Frost tolerant

Yes.

Feeding

When heads begin to form, feed with a liquid plant food.

Spacing

Single Plants: 35cm (1' 1") each way (minimum)
Rows: 30cm (11") with 45cm (1' 5") row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

Sow in mid spring either direct into soil or in pots to plant out later if clubroot disease is a problem in your soil.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalised calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

Surround stem with a 10cm (4 inch) mat with a slit cut into it for the stem to prevent cabbage root fly from destroying the roots. Use fine mesh or fleece over the summer to prevent butterflies laying eggs on the underside of leaves - caterpillars can destroy these plants. Protect against birds which can damage the young seedlings.

Harvesting

Harvest from mid summer onwards by cutting off the large central head first before it starts to flower. Smaller side shoots should then be produced for harvesting a few weeks later.