How to plant and grow Broccoli

Broccoli is a hardy vegetable that grows best in the cool season of the year. Two crops (spring and autumn) can be planted in most parts of the country each year, especially with the rapid maturation and continuous improvement of heat resistance, the lifespan of broccoli extends to all areas except the hottest part of the season. It belongs to the rape crop family (Brassica oleracea), which includes cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, kale, kale, and kohlrabi.

Family:	Brassicaceae
Growing zones:	N/A
Growing season(s):	cool weather: spring and fall
Spacing:	18 inches
Start indoors or direct sow:	start indoors or purchase transplants
Indoor sowing date	6 weeks before transplant (9 weeks before average last frost)
Earliest outdoor planting:	3 weeks before average last frost
Soil temperature:	N/A
Fall planting:	start indoors 12 weeks before average first frost; transplant 6 weeks before average first frost
Sun needs:	6+ hours
Water needs:	moderate
Harvest category	one harvest for large head, though some varieties produce side shoots after the head is harvested
Preparation Tip:	Broccoli is extremely sensitive to heat, and its tight head will rapidly separate into flowers if temperatures climb in the spring. This is irreversible and signals the end of the plant’s growth. To grow broccoli with large heads, start early in the spring (timing is critical for broccoli). Many gardeners find broccoli performs best in the fall, and mature plants are surprisingly cold tolerant.

Snapshot	Broccoli isn’t the easiest plant to grow to full maturity, especially in warmer climates, but when you do get to harvest, nothing beats freshly grown stalks.
Starting	Because of its long growth period, broccoli is best started from seed indoors or planted from transplants. With the right timing, indoor sowing is easy, as broccoli seeds germinate rapidly, grow well, and transplant easily. Be sure to pay extra attention to plant timing. When transplanting, allow 12 to 18 inches between plants, because they get large.
Growing	Well-drained, highly fertile soil is key to a healthy plant with a large, harvestable head. Ensure the plants stay well watered throughout their growth.
Harvesting and Storing	Harvest broccoli heads with a sharp knife before the tight clusters begin to separate. Depending on your climate and your season, you may get a larger or smaller head. When the head begins to form in the center of the plant, keep a close eye on it and harvest immediately if the clusters begin to separate. Store in the refrigerator.
Common Problem	Cabbage worms of all types love to feast on broccoli. Use tightly fitting floating row covers immediately upon transplanting to prevent cabbage moths from laying eggs on your broccoli. Otherwise, handpick or use the organic insecticide Bacillus thuringiensis at the first sign of damage. Coat both the top and underside of the leaves and reapply after rain.