Growing broccoli should be compulsory in everyone’s garden patch. Not only is it delicious, but it is nutritious and easy to grow.
Broccoli, like cauliflower, kale, cabbage and Brussels sprouts, comes from the cole family, which is known for its dark, leafy leaves and thick stems. Broccoli is a relatively easy crop to grow that will reward you with delicious, crunchy broccoli plants.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- May is one of the best times to plant broccoli across most of Australia
- Broccoli thrives in cool weather with temperatures between 10–23°C
- Plant seedlings 30cm apart in well-drained soil with full sun
- Water at the base and fertilise fortnightly once heads start to develop
- Harvest when heads are firm and tight — most plants will produce side shoots after the main head is cut
Are you ready to get started? Here’s how to grow broccoli.
Growing broccoli
How to care for your broccoli plant
Aspect
To help your broccoli plant grow, place it in a sunny position. In spring, you can grow them in partial shade to prevent them from going to seed.
Climate
When it comes to growing broccoli in Australia, there’s no real right or wrong location. Traditionally, cooler climates from Melbourne and below were favourable, but these days it can be grown anywhere year-round.
Soil
Well-drained soil.
Water
Keep broccoli plants hydrated by watering them at the base a couple of times a week.
Fertiliser
Apply a liquid fertiliser fortnightly over the growing season, especially as you see heads start to develop.
Maintenance
Once your broccoli is established, remember to keep watering it from the roots; leaving water on the leaves and head may cause it to rot. Applying a layer of mulch around the base of your broccoli plants is especially beneficial in the cooler months — it helps retain soil moisture, suppresses weeds and protects roots from cold snaps overnight.
Pests
Caterpillars, worms and other pests love the leaves on broccoli plants. Spray the plant with a natural bug spray.
White cabbage moth is another common broccoli pest. The small white moth lays eggs on the undersides of leaves, and the hatching caterpillars can quickly devour your crop. Cover plants with fine netting to prevent moths from laying eggs, or treat with Dipel, a naturally derived spray that targets caterpillars without harming beneficial insects.”
How to grow broccoli from seedlings
So how does broccoli grow? The most foolproof method for growing broccoli is to start with seedlings. You can grow them from seeds, but this will require time, patience and germination.
To grow from seeds, it is easiest to sow them 1cm deep in the ground, around 30cm apart. It’s a good idea to plant your broccoli seeds gradually so you have a steady supply.
Broccoli can also be grown in pots, as broccoli shrubs can grow quite large; one or two seedlings in a 50cm pot with well-drained soil.
Broccoli varieties
There are two main types of broccoli:
- Sprouting broccoli – produces lots of side shoots.
- Heading broccoli – produces one large head.
Broccoli plant care and troubleshooting
Soil issues
Broccoli is prone to a soil issue called clubroot, which causes the plant to wilt on warm days. To avoid this from happening, plant broccoli in different garden beds each year.
Broccoli flowers
If left too long or not given enough water, broccoli will start to flower. You can eat the flowers, but they’ll taste bitter and don’t have much nutritional value.
Why are my broccoli leaves turning yellow?
If you notice that the bottom leaves are turning yellow, this is a sign that your plant isn’t getting enough nitrogen. Don’t stress, simply give your plant a dose of nitrogen fertiliser like Blood and Bone.
Can you eat broccoli leaves?
Yes, you can! Simply cut off the dark green leaves and lightly saute them. You can also bake them into crunchy chips. Try this grilled broccoli, rocket, mozzarella and basil salad.
Companion plants for broccoli
The best companion plants for broccoli are beans, marigolds, strawberries and coriander.
What is the best time to grow broccoli?
Broccoli can be grown in different regions of Australia at different times of the year, depending on the climate and local growing conditions. However, in general, the best time to grow broccoli in Australia is during the cooler months of the year when temperatures range between 10-23°C.
For most regions of Australia, this means planting broccoli seeds in late summer (February-March) or early autumn (April-May) for harvesting in late autumn (May-June) or winter (June-August). In some cooler regions, such as Tasmania, broccoli can also be grown in spring (September-November).
How long does broccoli take to grow?
Your broccoli will be ready to harvest in between 50 and 80 days, depending on the variety. It is important to harvest broccoli early in the morning before it heats up. Use a sharp knife or secateurs to cut off the plant’s head, taking around 10cm of the stem. It is important that you slice the stalk at an angle to prevent water pooling and rotting.
Most plants will have sub-shoots that will also produce broccoli in a couple of weeks’ time, so be patient and keep watering.
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