Broccoli is an essential vegetable for any home garden, It is easy to grow and is packed full of nutrients. It can be eaten raw or cooked and is a great addition to stir fries, salad, soups.
Planting Calendar
Broccoli can be grown throughout the year but does better in the cooler months of the year.
Harvest In
60 - 100 Days
Depending on the variety, Broccoli is ready to harvest within 60-100 days.
Prepare
Position
Broccoli likes to be grown in a sunny position with some protection from strong winds.
Soil
When planted into the ground Broccoli likes a free draining soil that is rich in organic matter. To improve the organic content in your soil, break up the soil and add Kings Compost and Kings Sheep Pellets and Grosafe Ocean Fert then mix together well. When growing in containers, plant into Kings Container mix or for an organic option use Living Earth Organic Vegetable Mix
Plant
Broccoli can be sown directly into the garden, raised beds or containers that are at least 40cm deep, or sown into a seed tray with Organic Seed raising mix and transplanted out once they have formed their second set of leaves. Gently remove the seedling from the tray and plant into the vegetable garden. Space plants 50cm apart and in rows 50cm apart so they have plenty of space to grow. Take care when transplanting so that the young soft roots are not damaged. Gently firm the soil down after planting and water in well with Aquaticus Garden Booster, this will help the seedlings settle in.
Care
Watering
Aim to keep the soil evenly moist, water slowly allowing the water to sink down into the roots, rather than allowing it to run off the top of the soil surface. Add Saturaid into the soil at planting as this will help channel the water deep down into the root zone.
Feeding
When planted in the ground liquid feed every month with Aquaticus Garden Booster, this encourages root growth and increases the microbial activity in the soil. Monthly applications of Kings Sheep Pellets will help with soil conditioning and plant health. If planted into a container, feed with Kings Liquid Fast Food along with monthly applications of Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster this encourages strong roots and a healthy immune system.
Protecting
Protect your young seedlings from slugs and snails by applying Quash slug bait. Re-apply after rain.
Spraying
Should Whitefly or White Butterfly Caterpillar be an issue spray with Nature's Way Organic Citrus & Ornamental Spray
General Care
When using sprays, chemicals or fertilisers always read the label and follow the instructions. Apply sprays in the evening to avoid harming beneficial insects.
Expert Tip
There are two main types of Broccoli, Sprouting and Heading. The heading types are the one we are familiar with, that form a large head on top of the plants and are harvested all at once. Sprouting or side shooting Broccoli differs in that it produces more tender, extra sweet stems from the side, these are harvested individually which then encourages more stems to sprout.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I water broccoli?
Aim to keep the soil evenly moist, water slowly allowing the water to sink down into the roots, rather than allowing it to run off the top of the soil surface. Add Saturaid into the soil at planting as this will help channel the water deep down into the root zone.
When is the best time to plant broccoli?
Plant broccoli in early spring or late summer to avoid the heat of midsummer. This allows it to mature in cooler weather.
How can I tell when broccoli is ready to harvest?
Depending on the variety, Broccoli is ready to harvest within 60-100 days.
What are common diseases affecting broccoli and how to prevent them?
Common diseases include downy mildew, clubroot, and black rot. Prevent these by rotating crops, avoiding overhead watering, and ensuring good air circulation.
Can I grow broccoli from seeds?
Broccoli can be grown from seeds. Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date, or sow them directly into the garden 2-4 weeks before the last frost.
