Profile

broccoliBrassica oleracea var. italica

Broccoli is a cool-season brassica grown for its closed flower buds. After the main harvest, many varieties produce smaller side shoots.

VegetablesBrassicasBrassicasmustard family
CalendarAll data
broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica): plant portrait for plant portrait - Vegetables, mustard family, Sunny to partial
broccoli: plant portrait. harvest: Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov.

Quick profile

Key data

Planting

Apr, May, Jun

Harvest

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov

Light

Sunny to partial shade

Water

high

Good neighbors

CeleryLettuce

Avoid

brassicas after brassicas

Growing data

broccoli Growing data

Seed depth

1 - 2 cm

Plant spacing

40 - 60 cm

Row spacing

50 - 70 cm

Germination temp

15 - 25 °C

Sowing and germination

Seed depth1 - 2 cm
Germination temp15 - 25 °C
Germination time5 - 14 days
Seed viability3 - 5 years
Light germinatorNo
Dark germinatorNo
Cold germinatorNo
Stratification neededNo
Pre-soaking recommendedNo
Direct sowing possibleYes
Pre-culture recommendedYes

Planting and spacing

Plant spacing40 - 60 cm
Row spacing50 - 70 cm
Plants per m²3 - 5 per m²
Bed widthfrom 60 cm
Spacing1 plant per square foot

Temperature and site

Soil temperature10 - 18 °C
Growing temperaturefrom 10 °C
Optimal temperature15 - 22 °C
Frost sensitiveYes
Late frost sensitiveYes
Heat tolerancemedium
Cold tolerancemedium

Water, nutrients and care

Waterhigh
Critical water phasesGrowth phase, Head formation
Watering methodat the base of the plant
Droughthigh
Waterlogging sensitiveYes
Mulching recommendedYes
Nutrient needheavy_feeder
Compost recommendedYes
Fertilizer sensitivitymedium

Container, support and growth

Container suitableYes
Pot sizeVolume: from 10 l; Recommended: from 20 l; Diameter: from 30 cm; Depth: from 25 cm
SupportNo
Height30 - 60 cm
Width40 - 60 cm
Yield0.5 - 1.5 kg

Year plan

broccoli Calendar

All plants
Indoor sowingDirect sowingPlantingHarvest

Indoor sowing

FebMarAprMay

Start sowing from early February for early varieties in a greenhouse or on a windowsill. Later varieties can be sown until May.

Direct sowing

AprMayJun

Direct sowing is possible from April, once the soil has warmed up. For a continuous harvest, several sowing batches at 2-3 week intervals are recommended.

Planting

AprMayJun

Transplant pre-grown seedlings into the open ground from mid-April, once severe frosts are no longer expected. Ensure adequate spacing.

Harvest

JunJulAugSepOctNov

Harvest begins from June/July depending on the variety and sowing time, and can continue into late autumn. Harvest the main head while it is firm.

Year plan
  1. Sowing indoors in a greenhouse or on the windowsill for early varieties.
  2. Preparation of sowing containers and soil.
  3. Continue sowing indoors in the greenhouse/windowsill.
  4. Pricking out the first seedlings if necessary.
  5. Transplanting pre-grown seedlings into the open ground.
  6. Direct sowing into the open ground for later harvests.
  7. Further transplanting.
  8. Further direct sowing.
  9. Regular watering.
  10. Weeding.
  11. Main harvest time for many varieties.
  12. Continue fertilizing to promote the development of side shoots.
  13. Continuous harvest.
  14. Remove yellowed or diseased leaves.
  15. Harvest of autumn varieties.
  16. Top-up fertilizing if needed.
  17. Harvest of late and storage varieties.
  18. Prepare soil for the next season.

Growing

broccoli Site, soil and care

Light

Sunny to partial shade

Wind

Sheltered

Spacing

40 - 60 cm

Storage

Store fresh in the cold or blanch and freeze.

  • Do not cut the main head too late, or yellow flowers will open.
  • Leave plants after the main harvest so side shoots can regrow.
  • Install insect netting early against cabbage white butterfly and cabbage root fly.

Pruning

broccoli Pruning

cut main head then harvest side shoots

Goal

cut main head then harvest side shoots

Pruning timing

summer_autumn

JunJulAugSepOctNov

Harvest main head and side shoots Cut the main head before yellow flowers open; allow side shoots to continue growing.

Remove

  • yellow or diseased leaves
  • harvested main heads with a clean cut

Preserve

  • healthy leaves for continued growth
  • side shoots after the main harvest

Avoid

  • cutting so low that side shoots are removed
  • cutting wet plants when avoidable

Tools and hygiene

Use clean, sharp knives, especially in wet weather.

Companion guide

broccoli Companion guide

Companion guide

Good neighbors

CeleryLettuce

Avoid

brassicas after brassicas

Health

Pests, Diseases

Plant health

PestsDiseasesDeficiencies

FAQ

Can broccoli be harvested after the main head?

Yes. Many varieties produce smaller side shoots after the main head is cut if the plant remains healthy.

Related plants

cauliflower

Same familySimilar nutrient needsSimilar water needs

Both belong to Brassica oleracea.

Brassicas

Same crop group

Clubroot

Shared diseases

Guides

Related guides

Garden guides

Sources

Public sources

  1. Wikidata entity

    Wikidata · 2026-05-12

  2. GBIF species match

    GBIF · 2026-05-12

  3. Deutschsprachige Wikipedia: Brokkoli

    Wikipedia · 2026-05-12

  4. English Wikipedia: Broccoli

    Wikipedia · 2026-05-12

Details

More public plant data

Names
Common

broccoli

Plural

broccoli

BotanicalBrassica oleracea var. italica
Botanical authorPlenck
Synonyms
  1. Brassica oleracea var. italica
  2. Broccoli
  3. Brassica oleracea italica
Common synonyms
  1. Brassica oleracea var. italica
  2. Broccoli
  3. Brassica oleracea italica
Regional names
Historical names
Market names
Misspellings
Search terms
  1. broccoli
Taxonomy
KingdomPlantae
Clades
  1. Tracheophytes
  2. Angiosperms
  3. Eudicots
  4. Rosids
OrderBrassicales
Family botanicalBrassicaceae
Family

mustard family

Family idbrassicaceae
GenusBrassica
SpeciesBrassica oleracea
Botanical varietyitalica
Hybrid statusnot_hybrid
Related crops
  1. kohlrabi
  2. cauliflower
  3. cabbage
  4. kale
  5. Brussels sprouts
Classification
Main groupVegetables
Sub groupBrassica vegetables
Crop groupCole crops
Life cycleAnnual
Perennialno
Woodyno
Treeno
Shrubno
Edible parts
  1. flower head
  2. stem
Nutrient groupCruciferous vegetables
Calendar
Sowing indoor
Months
  1. 2
  2. 3
  3. 4
  4. 5
Earliest month2
Latest month5
Notes

Start sowing from early February for early varieties in a greenhouse or on a windowsill. Later varieties can be sown until May.

Sowing outdoor
Months
  1. 4
  2. 5
  3. 6
Earliest month4
Latest month6
Notes

Direct sowing is possible from April, once the soil has warmed up. For a continuous harvest, several sowing batches at 2-3 week intervals are recommended.

Planting out
Months
  1. 4
  2. 5
  3. 6
Earliest month4
Latest month6
Notes

Transplant pre-grown seedlings into the open ground from mid-April, once severe frosts are no longer expected. Ensure adequate spacing.

Harvest
Months
  1. 6
  2. 7
  3. 8
  4. 9
  5. 10
  6. 11
Earliest month6
Latest month11
Notes

Harvest begins from June/July depending on the variety and sowing time, and can continue into late autumn. Harvest the main head while it is firm.

Month tasks
2

  1. Sowing indoors in a greenhouse or on the windowsill for early varieties.

  2. Preparation of sowing containers and soil.

3

  1. Continue sowing indoors in the greenhouse/windowsill.

  2. Pricking out the first seedlings if necessary.

4

  1. Transplanting pre-grown seedlings into the open ground.

  2. Direct sowing into the open ground for later harvests.

  3. Loosen the soil and improve it with compost.

5

  1. Further transplanting.

  2. Further direct sowing.

  3. Regular watering.

  4. Weeding.

  5. First fertilizing if needed.

6

  1. Regular watering.

  2. Weeding.

  3. Continue fertilizing.

  4. Protection against pests like cabbage root fly and slugs.

  5. First harvest possible from very early varieties.

7

  1. Main harvest time for many varieties.

  2. Continue fertilizing to promote the development of side shoots.

  3. Watch for pests and diseases.

  4. Regular watering.

8

  1. Continuous harvest.

  2. Remove yellowed or diseased leaves.

  3. Water well during dry spells.

9

  1. Harvest of autumn varieties.

  2. Top-up fertilizing if needed.

  3. Protection against early frosts for late varieties.

10

  1. Harvest of late and storage varieties.

  2. Prepare soil for the next season.

  3. Remove crop residues.

11

  1. Final harvest.

  2. Soil cultivation and green manuring, if desired.

  3. Protect the soil over winter.

Month tasks structured
2
  1. TaskSowing indoors
    Label

    Sowing indoors in a greenhouse or on the windowsill for early varieties.

    Priorityhigh
    Months
    1. 2
    Conditionearly varieties
    Estimated effortlow
    Notes

    Start with early varieties in February for an early harvest.

  2. TaskPrepare growing media
    Label

    Preparation of sowing containers and soil.

    Prioritymedium
    Months
    1. 2
    Estimated effortlow
    Notes
3
  1. TaskSowing indoors
    Label

    Continue sowing indoors in the greenhouse/windowsill.

    Priorityhigh
    Months
    1. 3
    Estimated effortlow
    Notes
  2. TaskPricking out seedlings
    Label

    Pricking out the first seedlings if necessary.

    Prioritymedium
    Months
    1. 3
    Conditionseedlings are large enough
    Estimated effortmedium
    Notes

    Transplant seedlings into larger pots once they have developed their first true leaf pair.

4
  1. TaskTransplanting
    Label

    Transplanting pre-grown seedlings into the open ground.

    Priorityhigh
    Months
    1. 4
    Conditionno more hard frosts
    Estimated effortmedium
    Notes

    Transplant plants from mid-April when the risk of frost has passed.

  2. TaskDirect sowing
    Label

    Direct sowing into the open ground for later harvests.

    Priorityhigh
    Months
    1. 4
    Conditionsoil is warm enough
    Estimated effortlow
    Notes

    Begin direct sowing in April as soon as the soil has warmed up.

  3. TaskSoil preparation
    Label

    Loosen the soil and improve it with compost.

    Prioritymedium
    Months
    1. 4
    Conditionbefore sowing or transplanting
    Estimated effortmedium
    Notes
5
  1. TaskTransplanting
    Label

    Further transplanting.

    Priorityhigh
    Months
    1. 5
    Estimated effortmedium
    Notes
  2. TaskDirect sowing
    Label

    Further direct sowing.

    Priorityhigh
    Months
    1. 5
    Estimated effortlow
    Notes

    Sow again every 2-3 weeks to ensure a continuous harvest.

  3. TaskWatering
    Label

    Regular watering.

    Priorityhigh
    Months
    1. 5
    Conditiondry weather
    Estimated effortmedium
    Notes
  4. TaskWeeding
    Label

    Weeding.

    Priorityhigh
    Months
    1. 5
    Estimated effortmedium
    Notes
  5. TaskFertilizing
    Label

    First fertilizing if needed.

    Prioritymedium
    Months
    1. 5
    Conditionplants show signs of deficiency
    Estimated effortlow
    Notes
6
  1. TaskWatering
    Label

    Regular watering.

    Priorityhigh
    Months
    1. 6
    Conditiondry weather
    Estimated effortmedium
    Notes
  2. TaskWeeding
    Label

    Weeding.

    Priorityhigh
    Months
    1. 6
    Estimated effortmedium
    Notes
  3. TaskFertilizing
    Label

    Continue fertilizing.

    Priorityhigh
    Months
    1. 6
    Conditionplants are growing well
    Estimated effortmedium
    Notes

    Broccoli is a heavy feeder and requires regular nutrient supply.

  4. TaskPest control
    Label

    Protection against pests like cabbage root fly and slugs.

    Priorityhigh
    Months
    1. 6
    Estimated effortmedium
    Notes

    Crop protection nets can help against cabbage root fly. Collect slugs regularly.

  5. TaskHarvest
    Label

    First harvest possible from very early varieties.

    Priorityhigh
    Months
    1. 6
    Conditionheads are firm and developed
    Estimated effortmedium
    Notes

    Harvest the main head before the flowers open.

7
  1. TaskHarvest
    Label

    Main harvest time for many varieties.

    Priorityhigh
    Months
    1. 7
    Estimated effortmedium
    Notes

    Harvest regularly to encourage the formation of side shoots.

  2. TaskFertilizing
    Label

    Continue fertilizing to promote the development of side shoots.

    Priorityhigh
    Months
    1. 7
    Conditionplants are producing side shoots
    Estimated effortmedium
    Notes
  3. TaskPest and disease monitoring
    Label

    Watch for pests and diseases.

    Priorityhigh
    Months
    1. 7
    Estimated effortmedium
    Notes

    Check regularly for signs of infestation or disease.

  4. TaskWatering
    Label

    Regular watering.

    Priorityhigh
    Months
    1. 7
    Conditiondry weather
    Estimated effortmedium
    Notes
8
  1. TaskHarvest
    Label

    Continuous harvest.

    Priorityhigh
    Months
    1. 8
    Estimated effortmedium
    Notes
  2. TaskPlant maintenance
    Label

    Remove yellowed or diseased leaves.

    Prioritymedium
    Months
    1. 8
    Estimated effortlow
    Notes
  3. TaskWatering
    Label

    Water well during dry spells.

    Priorityhigh
    Months
    1. 8
    Conditiondry weather
    Estimated effortmedium
    Notes
9
  1. TaskHarvest
    Label

    Harvest of autumn varieties.

    Priorityhigh
    Months
    1. 9
    Estimated effortmedium
    Notes
  2. TaskFertilizing
    Label

    Top-up fertilizing if needed.

    Prioritymedium
    Months
    1. 9
    Conditionplants still growing
    Estimated effortlow
    Notes
  3. TaskFrost protection
    Label

    Protection against early frosts for late varieties.

    Prioritymedium
    Months
    1. 9
    Conditionfrost expected
    Estimated effortlow
    Notes

    Light fleece covers can help protect plants from light frosts.

10
  1. TaskHarvest
    Label

    Harvest of late and storage varieties.

    Priorityhigh
    Months
    1. 10
    Estimated effortmedium
    Notes
  2. TaskSoil preparation for next season
    Label

    Prepare soil for the next season.

    Prioritymedium
    Months
    1. 10
    Conditionafter harvest
    Estimated efforthigh
    Notes

    Remove crop residues and improve the soil with compost or green manure.

  3. TaskRemove crop residues
    Label

    Remove crop residues.

    Prioritymedium
    Months
    1. 10
    Conditionafter harvest
    Estimated effortlow
    Notes
11
  1. TaskHarvest
    Label

    Final harvest.

    Priorityhigh
    Months
    1. 11
    Conditionbefore hard frost
    Estimated effortmedium
    Notes
  2. TaskSoil improvement
    Label

    Soil cultivation and green manuring, if desired.

    Prioritymedium
    Months
    1. 11
    Conditionafter harvest
    Estimated efforthigh
    Notes
  3. TaskWinter soil protection
    Label

    Protect the soil over winter.

    Prioritymedium
    Months
    1. 11
    Conditionafter last harvest
    Estimated effortmedium
    Notes

    A layer of mulch or green manure protects the soil from erosion.

Book content
Overview

Broccoli is a cool-season brassica grown for its closed flower buds. After the main harvest, many varieties produce smaller side shoots.

Cultivation

Strong transplants, even moisture, sufficient fertility, and protection from common brassica pests are important.

Harvest

Cut the main head before yellow flowers open. Side shoots can be harvested afterward.

Structured month tasks
2
  1. Taskmonth_2_task_1
    Label

    Sowing indoors in a greenhouse or on the windowsill for early varieties.

    Prioritymedium
    Months
    1. 2
    Estimated effortmedium
    Notes

    Sowing indoors in a greenhouse or on the windowsill for early varieties.

  2. Taskmonth_2_task_2
    Label

    Preparation of sowing containers and soil.

    Prioritymedium
    Months
    1. 2
    Estimated effortmedium
    Notes

    Preparation of sowing containers and soil.

3
  1. Taskmonth_3_task_1
    Label

    Continue sowing indoors in the greenhouse/windowsill.

    Prioritymedium
    Months
    1. 3
    Estimated effortmedium
    Notes

    Continue sowing indoors in the greenhouse/windowsill.

  2. Taskmonth_3_task_2
    Label

    Pricking out the first seedlings if necessary.

    Prioritymedium
    Months
    1. 3
    Estimated effortmedium
    Notes

    Pricking out the first seedlings if necessary.

4
  1. Taskmonth_4_task_1
    Label

    Transplanting pre-grown seedlings into the open ground.

    Prioritymedium
    Months
    1. 4
    Estimated effortmedium
    Notes

    Transplanting pre-grown seedlings into the open ground.

  2. Taskmonth_4_task_2
    Label

    Direct sowing into the open ground for later harvests.

    Prioritymedium
    Months
    1. 4
    Estimated effortmedium
    Notes

    Direct sowing into the open ground for later harvests.

  3. Taskmonth_4_task_3
    Label

    Loosen the soil and improve it with compost.

    Prioritymedium
    Months
    1. 4
    Estimated effortmedium
    Notes

    Loosen the soil and improve it with compost.

5
  1. Taskmonth_5_task_1
    Label

    Further transplanting.

    Prioritymedium
    Months
    1. 5
    Estimated effortmedium
    Notes

    Further transplanting.

  2. Taskmonth_5_task_2
    Label

    Further direct sowing.

    Prioritymedium
    Months
    1. 5
    Estimated effortmedium
    Notes

    Further direct sowing.

  3. Taskmonth_5_task_3
    Label

    Regular watering.

    Prioritymedium
    Months
    1. 5
    Estimated effortmedium
    Notes

    Regular watering.

  4. Taskmonth_5_task_4
    Label

    Weeding.

    Prioritymedium
    Months
    1. 5
    Estimated effortmedium
    Notes

    Weeding.

  5. Taskmonth_5_task_5
    Label

    First fertilizing if needed.

    Prioritymedium
    Months
    1. 5
    Estimated effortmedium
    Notes

    First fertilizing if needed.

6
  1. Taskmonth_6_task_1
    Label

    Regular watering.

    Prioritymedium
    Months
    1. 6
    Estimated effortmedium
    Notes

    Regular watering.

  2. Taskmonth_6_task_2
    Label

    Weeding.

    Prioritymedium
    Months
    1. 6
    Estimated effortmedium
    Notes

    Weeding.

  3. Taskmonth_6_task_3
    Label

    Continue fertilizing.

    Prioritymedium
    Months
    1. 6
    Estimated effortmedium
    Notes

    Continue fertilizing.

  4. Taskmonth_6_task_4
    Label

    Protection against pests like cabbage root fly and slugs.

    Prioritymedium
    Months
    1. 6
    Estimated effortmedium
    Notes

    Protection against pests like cabbage root fly and slugs.

  5. Taskmonth_6_task_5
    Label

    First harvest possible from very early varieties.

    Prioritymedium
    Months
    1. 6
    Estimated effortmedium
    Notes

    First harvest possible from very early varieties.

7
  1. Taskmonth_7_task_1
    Label

    Main harvest time for many varieties.

    Prioritymedium
    Months
    1. 7
    Estimated effortmedium
    Notes

    Main harvest time for many varieties.

  2. Taskmonth_7_task_2
    Label

    Continue fertilizing to promote the development of side shoots.

    Prioritymedium
    Months
    1. 7
    Estimated effortmedium
    Notes

    Continue fertilizing to promote the development of side shoots.

  3. Taskmonth_7_task_3
    Label

    Watch for pests and diseases.

    Prioritymedium
    Months
    1. 7
    Estimated effortmedium
    Notes

    Watch for pests and diseases.

  4. Taskmonth_7_task_4
    Label

    Regular watering.

    Prioritymedium
    Months
    1. 7
    Estimated effortmedium
    Notes

    Regular watering.

8
  1. Taskmonth_8_task_1
    Label

    Continuous harvest.

    Prioritymedium
    Months
    1. 8
    Estimated effortmedium
    Notes

    Continuous harvest.

  2. Taskmonth_8_task_2
    Label

    Remove yellowed or diseased leaves.

    Prioritymedium
    Months
    1. 8
    Estimated effortmedium
    Notes

    Remove yellowed or diseased leaves.

  3. Taskmonth_8_task_3
    Label

    Water well during dry spells.

    Prioritymedium
    Months
    1. 8
    Estimated effortmedium
    Notes

    Water well during dry spells.

9
  1. Taskmonth_9_task_1
    Label

    Harvest of autumn varieties.

    Prioritymedium
    Months
    1. 9
    Estimated effortmedium
    Notes

    Harvest of autumn varieties.

  2. Taskmonth_9_task_2
    Label

    Top-up fertilizing if needed.

    Prioritymedium
    Months
    1. 9
    Estimated effortmedium
    Notes

    Top-up fertilizing if needed.

  3. Taskmonth_9_task_3
    Label

    Protection against early frosts for late varieties.

    Prioritymedium
    Months
    1. 9
    Estimated effortmedium
    Notes

    Protection against early frosts for late varieties.

10
  1. Taskmonth_10_task_1
    Label

    Harvest of late and storage varieties.

    Prioritymedium
    Months
    1. 10
    Estimated effortmedium
    Notes

    Harvest of late and storage varieties.

  2. Taskmonth_10_task_2
    Label

    Prepare soil for the next season.

    Prioritymedium
    Months
    1. 10
    Estimated effortmedium
    Notes

    Prepare soil for the next season.

  3. Taskmonth_10_task_3
    Label

    Remove crop residues.

    Prioritymedium
    Months
    1. 10
    Estimated effortmedium
    Notes

    Remove crop residues.

11
  1. Taskmonth_11_task_1
    Label

    Final harvest.

    Prioritymedium
    Months
    1. 11
    Estimated effortmedium
    Notes

    Final harvest.

  2. Taskmonth_11_task_2
    Label

    Soil cultivation and green manuring, if desired.

    Prioritymedium
    Months
    1. 11
    Estimated effortmedium
    Notes

    Soil cultivation and green manuring, if desired.

  3. Taskmonth_11_task_3
    Label

    Protect the soil over winter.

    Prioritymedium
    Months
    1. 11
    Estimated effortmedium
    Notes

    Protect the soil over winter.

Cultivation specs
Seed
Seed depth cm min.1
Seed depth cm max.2
Light germinatorno
Dark germinatorno
Cold germinatorno
Stratification neededno
Pre soaking recommendedno
Germination temperature c min.15
Germination temperature c max.25
Germination days min.5
Germination days max.14
Seed lifespan years min.3
Seed lifespan years max.5
Direct sowing possibleyes
Pre culture recommendedyes
Spacing
Plant spacing cm min.40
Plant spacing cm max.60
Row spacing cm min.50
Row spacing cm max.70
Recommended density per sqm min.3
Recommended density per sqm max.5
Min. bed width60 cm
Square foot gardening spacing1 plant per square foot
Spacing notes

Ensure adequate spacing for good air circulation and to prevent diseases.

Growth dimensions
Height cm min.30
Height cm max.60
Width cm min.40
Width cm max.60
Growth speedfast
Final size notes

Plants develop a compact to bushy growth habit.

Temperature
Min. growing temperature10 °C
Optimal temperature c min.15
Optimal temperature c max.22
Max. heat tolerance30 °C
Soil temperature for sowing c min.10
Soil temperature for sowing c optimal18
Frost sensitiveyes
Late frost sensitiveyes
Heat tolerancemedium
Cold tolerancemedium
Temperature notes

Broccoli prefers cool to moderate temperatures. Extreme heat can lead to premature bolting or poor head formation.

Water
Water needhigh
Critical water phases
  1. Growth phase
  2. Head formation
Drought tolerantno
Drought sensitivityhigh
Waterlogging sensitiveyes
Mulching recommendedyes
Water notes

Consistent soil moisture is crucial for good head development. Avoid waterlogging at all costs.

Nutrition
Nutrient groupheavy_feeder
Heavy feederyes
Medium feederno
Light feederno
Nitrogen needhigh
Phosphorus needhigh
Potassium needhigh
Calcium needmedium
Magnesium needmedium
Compost recommendedyes
Mulching recommendedyes
Fertilizer sensitivitymedium
Nutrition notes

Requires rich soil and regular fertilization, especially during the growth and head formation phases. Organic fertilizers are well-suited.

Container
Container suitableyes
Min. pot volume10 l
Recommended pot volume20 l
Min. pot depth25 cm
Min. pot diameter30 cm
Plants per container min.1
Plants per container max.1
Drainage requiredyes
Repotting neededno
Container notes

For container growing, deeper and sufficiently large containers are necessary. Regular watering and fertilizing are particularly important in pots.

Support
Needs supportno
Support recommendedno
Climbingno
Viningno
Trellis recommendedno
Training requiredno
Support notes

Broccoli generally does not require additional support.

Cultivation modes
Outdoor bed suitableyes
Raised bed suitableyes
Container suitableyes
Balcony suitableyes
Greenhouse suitableyes
Polytunnel suitableyes
Indoor suitableyes
Windowsill suitableyes
Hydroponic possibleno
Permaculture suitableyes
No dig suitableyes
Yield density
Yield per plant min.0.5
Yield per plant max.1.5
Yield unitkg
Yield per sqm min.3
Yield per sqm max.7
Yield reliabilitymedium
Yield notes

Yield depends heavily on variety, care, and weather. After harvesting the main head, smaller side shoots often develop.

Site
Sun

Sunny to partial shade

Wind

Sheltered

Notes

A sunny location with good access to water is ideal. Partial shade is tolerated, especially in hot weather.

Soil
Type

Humus-rich, fertile, loose, and well-draining

PH range
Min.6
Max.7
Notes

Prefers deep soils. Good nutrient supply is essential. Avoid heavy, clay soils prone to waterlogging.

Watering
Frequency

Regularly, especially during dry periods

Method

At the root base, not over the leaves

Notes

Consistent moisture is important for head formation. Avoid both drying out and waterlogging.

Nutrition
Fertilizer type

Organic and mineral, rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium

Frequency

Every 2-4 weeks during the growing season

Notes

As a heavy feeder, broccoli benefits from compost applications before planting and liquid fertilizer during growth. Ensure a balanced nutrient supply.

Cultivation planning
Succession sowing
Possibleyes
Interval days min.14
Interval days max.21
Bed planning notes

Broccoli is a heavy feeder and should not be planted after other brassicas or root vegetables. Good preceding crops include legumes or leafy greens.

Rotation priorityhigh
Interplanting potentiallow
Mechanization relevancemedium
Crop rotation
  1. Cabbage, Radish
  2. Garlic, Beans
Deficiencies
  1. Nitrogen deficiency, Calcium deficiency
Problems
  1. Cabbage white butterfly, Clubroot
Problem management
  1. Resistant varieties, Early sowing, Copper-based sprays
Disease graph
Scopebroccoli common diseases and prevention
Prevention strategy
Cultural
  1. keep crop rotation
  2. use insect netting
  3. water evenly
Monitoring
  1. check leaf undersides for eggs and caterpillars
  2. watch roots and growth for cabbage root fly/clubroot
Organic first response
  1. hand-pick caterpillars
  2. remove affected leaves
  3. keep crops airy
Notes

Broccoli shares many problems with other brassicas.

Diagnosis
Diagnostic process

First distinguish symptoms by feeding damage, wilting, leaf discoloration, and root condition.

First checks
  1. caterpillars or eggs under leaves
  2. aphids in young shoots
  3. root swelling or wilting
  4. nutrient deficiency in pale leaves
Notes

If clubroot occurs, avoid brassicas on the same bed in following years.

Phenology
Stages
  1. germination
  2. seedling
  3. leaf growth
  4. main head formation
  5. side-shoot formation
  6. flowering if overmature
Notes

Broccoli is harvested before the yellow flowers open. After the main head is cut, many varieties produce smaller side shoots.

Flowering pollination

Flowering is avoided for vegetable harvest. If plants are left, yellow brassica flowers open and are visited by insects.

Harvest

Cut the main head while buds are tightly closed; then continue harvesting side shoots.

Harvest details
Harvest frequency

multiple harvests, first the main head and then side shoots

Harvest indicators
  1. buds tightly closed
  2. head well formed but no yellow flowers visible
  3. stem still succulent
  4. side shoots regrown after main cut
Post harvest handling

Cut with a sharp knife and a short stem, cool quickly, and do not leave in sun.

Storage

Store fresh in the cold or blanch and freeze.

Storage details
General storage category

refrigerator or freezer after blanching

Storage life

Fresh usually keeps 3-5 days in the refrigerator; blanched and frozen keeps for several months.

Processing options
  1. steam
  2. briefly boil
  3. stir-fry
  4. roast
  5. blanch and freeze
Processing use

Broccoli works well steamed, stir-fried, in soups, casseroles, pasta, bowls, and briefly blanched salads.

Kitchen usage
Preparation tips
  1. cut florets evenly
  2. peel and use the stems
  3. cook only briefly to preserve color and bite
Flavor profile

mild brassica flavor, green, slightly sweet when fresh

Culinary traditions
  1. classic steamed vegetable
  2. broccoli in pasta and casseroles
  3. Asian-style stir-fries
Safety and edibility
Edible parts
  1. flower buds
  2. tender stems
  3. young leaves
Inedible or caution parts
  1. woody stem parts
  2. rotted or moldy parts
Toxicity notes

Broccoli is edible and non-toxic. Like other brassicas, it may cause gas in sensitive people.

Raw consumption

Edible raw, but often better tolerated briefly blanched or cooked.

Seed saving

Seed saving is demanding because broccoli crosses with other Brassica oleracea crops and selected plants must be kept until flowering.

Seed saving advanced
Harvest method

Select healthy, true-to-type plants, let them flower, and harvest dry pods.

Processing

Finish drying pods, thresh, clean seed, and store dry.

Storage life

Usually viable for 3-5 years when stored cool and dry.

Germination tips

Test germination before sowing and germinate evenly moist at about 18-22 °C.

Varieties
Types
  1. Name

    Calabrese types

    Notes

    Classic green broccoli types with a main head and side shoots.

  2. Name

    sprouting broccoli

    Notes

    Produces many smaller shoots rather than one large head.

Woody crop details
Notes

Broccoli is an herbaceous brassica crop, not a woody plant.

Ecology
Pollinator valuede: Für die normale Gemüseernte gering, da vor der Blüte geerntet wird; blühende Pflanzen bieten Insekten Nahrung. | en: Low for normal harvest because plants are cut before flowering; flowering plants feed insects.
Biodiversity notes

Insect netting protects the crop, but should be removed if plants are meant to flower for seed.

Practical notes
  1. Do not cut the main head too late, or yellow flowers will open.
  2. Leave plants after the main harvest so side shoots can regrow.
  3. Install insect netting early against cabbage white butterfly and cabbage root fly.
Seasonal content
Spring

Start transplants and early planting.

Summer

Water, feed, and watch for caterpillars.

Autumn

Harvest autumn crops and side shoots.

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