Broccoli Growing Guide Brassica oleracea Crop Rotation Group Brassicas (Cabbage family) ● Soil Rich, deep soil, firm with plenty of well rotted compost, composted manure, or balanced organic fertilizer dug in prior to planting. Position Full sun. Frost tolerant Yes. Feeding Mix composted manure or another high-nitrogen compost into the soil before planting. When heads begin to form, feed with a liquid plant food. Spacing Single Plants: 1' 5" (45cm) each way (minimum) Rows: 1' 5" (45cm) with 1' 5" (45cm) row gap (minimum) Sow and Plant Sow indoors in early spring, and set out while the soil is still cool. Sow fall broccoli indoors in summer, and set out when the plants are 3 weeks old. Our Garden Planner can produce a personalized calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area. Notes Broccoli that matures in cool fall weather has an especially tender texture with sweet flavor to match. Harvesting Use a sharp knife to harvest the primary head when the beads are plump and well-filled. Many varieties produce numerous smaller side shoots after the primary head is cut. Troubleshooting Cabbageworms are small green larvae of the cabbage white butterfly. You can use row covers to keep them from eating plants. Planting and Harvesting Calendar < Back to All Plants Pests which Affect Broccoli Aphids (General) Cabbage Root Maggot Cabbage Worm Diamondback Moth Harlequin Bug Slug Snail Plant Diseases which Affect Broccoli Brassica Alternaria Leaf Spot Brassica Downy Mildew
