By National Gardening Association Editors

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Planning

  • Two broccoli crops a year are possible in many areas.
  • Start spring transplants indoors 5 to 7 weeks before the last spring frost date, or buy nursery transplants 3 weeks before the last spring frost date.
  • Plan to seed fall crops 85 to 100 days before the average first fall frost date.
  • Where the weather is warm, select a variety that is bolt resistant.

Preparation

  • Add 3 to 4 pounds of 5-10-10 or its equivalent per 100 square feet before planting.

Planting

  • Set out transplants 3 to 4 weeks before the last spring frost.
  • Set the transplants 6 to 18 inches apart, with 20 to 36 inches between rows, depending on the fertility of the soil.
  • Protect transplants from hard frosts with newspapers, plastic cones, paper bags, or baskets. Provide a windbreak to reduce transplant shock and moisture loss.
  • For fall crops, direct seed the broccoli in the garden. Sow the seeds 1/4 inch deep, 2 to 4 seeds per foot of row, leaving at least 20 to 36 inches between rows, depending on soil fertility.

Care

  • Thin direct-seeded seedlings when they are 4 inches tall. In rich soil, thin seedlings to stand 6 to 12 inches apart. Where soil is of average fertility, thin seedlings 12 to 18 inches apart.
  • Side-dress each plant 3 weeks after setting out transplants or 5 weeks after sowing from seed with 1 tablespoon of fertilizer high in nitrogen.
  • See our article Summer's Bad Guys by Charlie Nardozzi for controls of common broccoli pests such as flea beetles, cabbageworms, and cabbage loopers.

Harvesting

  • Harvest for peak quality when the buds of the head are firm and tight. If buds start to separate and the yellow petals inside start to show, harvest immediately.

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Other articles in this series:
1. The Cole Crop Family
2. Broccoli Essentials ← you're on this article right now
3. Cabbage Essentials
4. Cole Crops and Soil
5. Planning for Cole Crops
6. Fall Cole Crop Bonus
7. Hardening-Off Your Cole Crops
8. Starting Cole Crop Seeds Indoors
9. Brussels Sprout Essentials

This article is a part of our Vegetable Gardening Guide for Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower & Company / Getting Started.
Other articles in this series:
1. The Cole Crop Family
2. Broccoli Essentials ← you're on this article right now
3. Cabbage Essentials
4. Cole Crops and Soil
5. Planning for Cole Crops
6. Fall Cole Crop Bonus
7. Hardening-Off Your Cole Crops
8. Starting Cole Crop Seeds Indoors
9. Brussels Sprout Essentials

This article is a part of our Vegetable Gardening Guide for Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower & Company / Getting Started.
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