Planting advice for the USA & Canada, Zone 8a

January: Do not grow.

February: Do not grow.

March: Do not grow.

April: Do not grow.

May: Do not grow.

June: Do not grow.

July: Do not grow.

August: Do not grow.

September: Do not grow.

October: Do not grow.

November: Do not grow.

December: Do not grow.

Space Plants: 45cm (18") apart.

Harvest In: 10-16 weeks.

Grows Best With: Beets, Celery, Cucumbers, Dill, Mint, Onions, Potatoes, Rosemary, Sage, Swiss Chard, Thyme, Turnips.

Avoid Growing With: Bell Peppers, Chili Peppers, Strawberries.

Planting Broccoli

Broccoli can be direct sowed after your last frost date, but prefers warmer soil and will develop faster in it. Plant the seeds 1cm (1/2") deep, spacing each plant 45cm (18") apart, and the same distance between rows, however a larger spacing will encourage each plant to produce a larger central head. Broccoli prefers a well-draining soil rich in organic matter, and need full sun. For that reason, ensure that seedlings get enough light if starting indoors to prevent them becoming leggy.

Growing Broccoli

If you started seeds undercover, plant out the seedlings after 4-6 weeks when they have at least 4 leaves. Broccoli prefers consistent watering which will prevent it from bolting before harvest, but ensure that the soil is moist and not soggy. While watering, keep the water away from the central head as this can encourage rot. Avoid using nitrogen-heavy fertilisers, as this will have the plant focusing on producing leaves instead of the central head. Row covers can help to protect from pests such as caterpillars, cabbageworms, as well as any unexpected cold snaps.

Harvesting Broccoli

Harvest the head while the buds are still tight and before any flowering, usually when the head is 10-18cm (4-7") wide, or as soon as the buds begin to separate from each other. Once the central head has been harvested, continue watering the plant to encourage smaller, secondary heads to grow which can also be harvested.

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