Broccoli is a cool-season vegetable that is a member of the cabbage family. It is an annual plant that grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. Broccoli plants have dark green leaves and thick, edible stems. The edible part of the plant is the flower head, which consists of small buds that can range from deep green to purplish-green in color. The flower head is usually harvested when it is tight and compact, before the buds begin to open. Broccoli is a nutritious vegetable that is high in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as dietary fiber.
Planning Your Garden With Broccoli
As you plan your garden, it's important to think about the spacing, size, light, and nutrient requirements of all of your plant and how they'll grow together.
Some plants require more water than others, while other plants require dry soil. At the same time, some plants prefer full sun, and other plants need the shade to survive.
By studying what each plant requires and planning ahead where all of your plants will grow best, you can optimize your garden space.
| Life Cycle | Perennial |
| USDA Zone | Broccoli is hardy in USDA Zones 3-11. |
| Cold Tolerance | Broccoli can tolerate temperatures down to 20. |
| Days to harvest | The minimum number of days to harvest for broccoli is 55-60 days. |
| Average size | The average size of a full grown broccoli plant is between 18 and 24 inches tall and 12 to 18 inches wide. |
| Spacing requirements | The best spacing for growing broccoli is 12-18 inches apart in rows that are 24-36 inches apart. |
| Sun tolerance | Broccoli is a cool-weather crop and does best in temperatures between 45-85°F (7-29°C). It should not be exposed to direct sunlight for more than a few hours, as this can cause the plant to bolt (go to seed). |
| Shade tolerance | Broccoli is a moderately shade tolerant crop, but it requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal growth and production. |
| Water requirements | Broccoli is a cool season crop and requires moist, well-drained soil. It should be watered regularly, 1-2 inches per week, to keep the soil evenly moist. Avoid over-watering, as this can lead to root rot, reduced yields, and poor quality heads. |
| Fertilizer | The amount of fertilizer you should use when growing broccoli depends on the type of fertilizer you are using and the soil conditions. Generally, a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 is recommended. Apply 1/2 to 1 pound of fertilizer per 100 square feet of garden area. |
| Soil pH | The optimum pH for growing broccoli is 6.0 to 6.8. |
Why Broccoli is Popular
People like to grow broccoli because it is an easy to grow, nutritious vegetable that can be harvested in a short amount of time. It is also a versatile vegetable that can be used in many different dishes. Broccoli is also packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it a healthy addition to any diet.
Companion Plants For Broccoli
Companion planting is a great way to maximize your garden space and get the most out of your plants. By planting certain plants together, you can help each other thrive. In some cases, you can even help each other repel pests.
Popular companion plants for broccoli include:
Common Pests For Broccoli
Plant pests are a common problem for gardeners. By understanding what pests are common for your plants, you can take steps to prevent them from damaging your plants.
When you grow broccoli, keep an eye out for these common pests:
- harlequin bugs
- snails
- flea beetles
- slugs
- aphids
- cabbage loopers
- spider mites
- beetles
- cutworms
USDA Zones
USDA zones are a popular way of determining which plants can grow in your area. Zones tell you when your average first and last frost date are, as well as how cold you can expect it to get in the winter.
Our site works best if you choose your zone from the list below. If you do not know your USDA zone, then you can use our zone map.
