How To Grow Broccoli - Kings Seeds

Growing broccoli gives you a whole new appreciation for the vegetable, from the protection from pests to the taste of the nutrient-rich fresh broccoli there is a lot to appreciate. Whether you're planting in your garden or containers on a balcony, this step-by-step guide will help you navigate the journey of growing broccoli successfully.

 

Preparing Your Soil for Broccoli

The first step in growing broccoli is to ensure your soil has lots of organic matter for the broccoli to feed on. Broccoli thrives in well-draining, fertile soil rich in organic matter. Start by digging over the soil, mixing in organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure to a depth of about 30cms and topping with mulch, wool mulch being your best choice to deter slugs and snails. If you're unsure about the nutrient content or have had issues growing broccoli in a specific location previously, you could always perform a soil test. Once the soil is prepared, you can start your broccoli seeds or transplant seedlings.

 

Choosing the Right Variety

Selecting the best broccoli variety is crucial for success; depending on the time of the year, there are several types you could consider based on your climate and growing conditions. If you live in a cooler region, consider varieties like 'Broccoli Winter Green F1' or 'Broccoli Sprouting Winter Rudolph,' known for their resilience to cold weather. Warmer areas may benefit from varieties such as 'Broccoli Summer Green F1' or 'Broccoli Sprouting Summer Purple.' Alternatively, you could try growing 'Broccoflower Geum F1' for a novelty cross between broccoli and cauliflower with beautiful lime green spiral florets, which grows well in most locations along with 'Broccoli Sprouting Tasty Stems F1'.

When wondering how long does it take broccoli to grow, most varieties will take between 60 to 90 days from transplanting to harvest, dependent on the season and variety.

Sunlight Requirements for Broccoli

A common question among new gardeners is, "Does broccoli grow better in sun or shade?" The answer is unequivocally in full sun. Broccoli prefers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day to flourish. However, in extremely hot climates, some shade can be beneficial during the hottest parts of the day. If your broccoli is wilting, it may be due to heat stress, so consider providing some afternoon shade when temperatures spike. You could set up a teepee and cover it with shade cloth or use a clever intercropping planting system with some borage or peas to provide shade to the broccoli at certain times of the day.

 

Watering Techniques for Optimal Growth

How often should I water broccoli? This is a vital, common question when growing broccoli. Consistent moisture is critical for broccoli, especially during its early stages of growth, which is where mulch can be a great choice for broccoli beds. Aim to keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. A good rule of thumb is to water deeply once a week, increasing frequency during particularly hot or dry spells. Keep an eye out for any wilting and the soil moisture level by sticking your finger about 2cm into the soil; if it feels dry, it's time to water. Over-watering can lead to root rot, so pay close attention to your watering regime to avoid future problems.

Managing Broccoli and Addressing Common Issues

As your broccoli plants grow, you may encounter various issues that require your attention. If you are growing sprouting broccoli, one common concern is the flowering, which can diminish the quality & production of your plant. This leads to the question, "Should I cut off broccoli flowers?" Yes, if you notice any flowers starting to appear, it's best to cut them off swiftly. If you're growing heading broccoli, unfortunately, this indicates that the plant is entering its reproductive phase, where growth halts, and the plant focuses on seed production instead of producing heads, so you've missed your chance with this plant; time to try again or enjoy the broccoli flowers as they are edible and will attract many a pollinator to your garden. Regularly inspecting your plants for caterpillars and covering them with fine insect netting from the seedling stage can help you avoid pests eating your broccoli before you do, along with wool mulching for slug and snail protection.

 

Knowing When to Harvest Broccoli

Eventually, you'll be eager to enjoy the fruits of your labour and wonder, "How do I know when broccoli is ready to harvest?" Broccoli is typically ready to be harvested when the heads are firm, tight, and dark green. The ideal time to harvest is just before the florets begin to flower; this is when the heads are most nutritious and flavourful. Use a sharp knife to cut the head from the plant, leaving a few inches of the stem. Leaving part of the stem in the ground will encourage smaller side shoots, which will continue to grow after the main head is harvested; these can provide additional broccolini-style harvest later in the season.

What are the Health Benefits of Broccoli

Broccoli is a highly nutritious vegetable that offers numerous health benefits. Rich in vitamins C, K and A, as well as folate and fibre, which contribute to overall health. The antioxidants found in broccoli help reduce inflammation and can help protect against chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer. It also supports digestive health due to its high fibre content and can aid in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels. If your wanting to add all these benefits to your diet but don't have the time to wait for broccoli, you could try growing it in sprout or microgreen form for a quick nutrient boost to your diet. 

How to Grow Broccoli Step-By-Step

1. Choose a Sunny Location: Select a bright, sunny spot in your garden where broccoli can receive at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily.
2. Prepare Your Garden Bed: Loosen the soil and mix in plenty of compost or well-rotted manure to enhance soil fertility.
3. Sow Broccoli Seeds: Plant seeds about 1-2 cm deep and spaced about 30-45 cm apart (or start seedlings indoors and transplant later).
4. Water Thoroughly: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during germination.
5. Thin Seedlings: If you start seeds directly in the ground, thin seedlings to prevent overcrowding once they are a few inches tall.
6. Regular Care: Maintain your broccoli plants by watering regularly, weeding, and applying a balanced fertiliser such as our seaweed and herb booster as needed.

Growing Broccoli FAQs

How long does broccoli take to grow?

Broccoli generally takes about 70 to 100 days from sowing to harvest, depending on the variety and growing conditions.

What month do you plant broccoli in NZ? 

In New Zealand, broccoli can be planted in spring (September to November) or in late summer - autumn (late January to April) for a winter harvest.

When do you sow broccoli seeds? 

You can sow broccoli seeds directly in the garden once the soil temperature reaches around 10-20°C. Starting seeds indoors about 6-8 weeks before the last frost is also a great option.

How much water do broccoli plants need? 

Broccoli plants require about 1-2 inches of water per week. Ensure consistent moisture without waterlogged conditions, as broccoli is sensitive to drought.

 

Growing broccoli can be a significant tick off your gardener's bucket list. With the proper knowledge and care, you can enjoy the benefits of home-grown broccoli and explore different varieties to find your favourites this season.