Growing Brccoli Plants

The nutrition information on this page is specific to a portion size of 100 grams. All information is sourced from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Nutrition information for raw, green, fresh Broccoli contain the following nutrients.

Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) is an edible green plant in the cabbage family whose large flowering head, stalk and small associated leaves are eaten as a vegetable. Broccoli is classified in the Italica cultivar group of the species Brassica oleracea. They are particularly high in Fiber, Folate, Manganese, Potassium , Vitamins A, C and K.

How Much Space Do Broccoli Plants Need?

Generally, broccoli plants should be 18 inches apart. If planted in rows, space rows 24 inches apart to give yourself enough room to walk between them, but you can plant two or three abreast in a row to minimize aisle space.

What Type Soil Do Broccoli Like

Broccoli needs cool weather, full sun, water, and rich soil. For best success, start with young, vigorous plants, which will put you significantly closer to harvest than if you were to start from seeds. Plant your broccoli where it will get least 6 hours of sun daily and has fertile, well-drained, moist soil with plenty of organic matter. Mulch will help keep the ground cool and moist. The soil pH should be between 6.0 and 7.0 for best growth and to discourage clubroot disease. To be sure about your soil pH, it is best to get the soil tested. You can buy a kit or have a soil test done through your regional Cooperative Extension office.

Planting Instructions

Plant at the spacing stated on the Bonnie label. Generally, broccoli plants should be 18 inches apart. If planted in rows, space rows 24 inches apart to give yourself enough room to walk between them, but you can plant two or three abreast in a row to minimize aisle space.

Broccoli likes steady moisture to grow fast and produce good heads, so water regularly, applying 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week if rain doesn't cover it. You can measure the amount of water with a rain gauge left in the garden. An organic mulch of compost, finely ground leaves, or finely ground bark will help keep the soil cool and moist and keep down weeds. In cold climates, it's the opposite, you may need to plant through black plastic in early spring to help warm the soil or leave the ground without mulch so that the sun can warm it.

Nutrients

Normal- Use a low-nitrogen fertilizer. Thin when young plants reach 2 to 3 inches tall. Plants should be between 12 and 20 inches apart. The best fertilizer for broccoli and cauliflower is blood and bone, organic liquid fertilizers like fish emulsion, aged cow manure, worm castings and compost. These fertilizers used together contain nitrogen for good leaf growth, phosphorus for good root development and calcium for stem and flower growth.

Vegan- For best results if growing in small to medium size containers, be sure to incorporated before planting our Callemo Powder to help support the plants Calcium and Magnesium needs. Then our VeGrow Quick Start to get the root system started and then use our VeGrow PK Booster once a week for the duration of the plants life cycle.

What can I plant next to Broccoli?

The Best Companion Plants for Broccoli are Celery, Chamomile, Lettuce, Potatoes, Rhubarb, Rosemary, Shallots.

Harvest Time

You'll know broccoli heads are ready when they're deep green with small, tightly packed buds. Harvest broccoli right away if it starts to flower or turn yellow. Side shoots will continue growing after the main head is harvested. Harvest side shoots when they reach their ideal color and firmness.