{"id":439,"date":"2023-01-18T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-01-18T08:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/?p=439"},"modified":"2023-06-27T11:31:46","modified_gmt":"2023-06-27T18:31:46","slug":"how-to-grow-broccoli","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-broccoli\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Grow Broccoli &#8211; A Beginner&#8217;s Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" data-layzr=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/How-to-Grow-Broccoli.png\" alt=\"broccoli plant growing in garden\" title=\"\"><br \/>\nBroccoli, which are known botanically as Brassica Oleracea, are a type of vegetable that can easily be grown at home. Continue reading to learn the basics of growing broccoli as well as common mistakes to avoid along the way.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_65 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-broccoli\/#Best_Time_to_Plant_Broccoli\" title=\"Best Time to Plant Broccoli\">Best Time to Plant Broccoli<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-broccoli\/#How_to_Plant_Broccoli_the_Right_Way\" title=\"How to Plant Broccoli the Right Way\">How to Plant Broccoli the Right Way<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-broccoli\/#How_Much_Sunlight_is_Needed_to_Grow_Broccoli\" title=\"How Much Sunlight is Needed to Grow Broccoli\">How Much Sunlight is Needed to Grow Broccoli<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-broccoli\/#How_Much_to_Water_Broccoli\" title=\"How Much to Water Broccoli\">How Much to Water Broccoli<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-broccoli\/#How_Long_Does_it_Take_Broccoli_to_Germinate_and_Grow\" title=\"How Long Does it Take Broccoli to Germinate and Grow?\">How Long Does it Take Broccoli to Germinate and Grow?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-broccoli\/#When_to_Harvest_Broccoli\" title=\"When to Harvest Broccoli\">When to Harvest Broccoli<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-broccoli\/#What_Can_Broccoli_Be_Used_For\" title=\"What Can Broccoli Be Used For?\">What Can Broccoli Be Used For?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-broccoli\/#Can_Broccoli_Grow_in_Pots_and_Containers\" title=\"Can Broccoli Grow in Pots and Containers?\">Can Broccoli Grow in Pots and Containers?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-broccoli\/#Are_Broccoli_Safe_for_Bees\" title=\"Are Broccoli Safe for Bees?\">Are Broccoli Safe for Bees?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Best_Time_to_Plant_Broccoli\"><\/span>Best Time to Plant Broccoli<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>This will depend largely on your local climate, but as a rule of thumb, begin to plant the broccoli seeds six to eight weeks before the last frost. This is the best time to ensure that the seedlings survive the weather.<\/p>\n<p>To check when broccoli are most likely to thrive in your area, see the <a href=\"https:\/\/planthardiness.ars.usda.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map<\/a>. If you live outside the US, do a quick search for &#8216;plant hardiness zone + [city]&#8217;.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Plant_Broccoli_the_Right_Way\"><\/span>How to Plant Broccoli the Right Way<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>There are a number of things to consider that will help you avoid some of the common mistakes of growing broccoli in your home garden. <\/p>\n<p>Often overlooked, your soil can have a huge impact on how well your broccoli grow. Generally, your soil should be well-drained with a texture between sandy and clay loam. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.esf.edu\/pubprog\/brochure\/soilph\/soilph.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Soil PH levels<\/a> should be around 6 to 7.<\/p>\n<p>2&#8242; apart.  roughly every 3&#8242;. The seeds should be sowed at a depth of about \u00a0.5&#8243;. For each plant, be sure to sow at least a few seeds to ensure that at least one of them will germinate.<\/p>\n<p>Begin thinning your broccoli seedlings one plant every 2&#8242; when 1&#8243; tall.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Much_Sunlight_is_Needed_to_Grow_Broccoli\"><\/span>How Much Sunlight is Needed to Grow Broccoli<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The amount of sunlight is another key to a successful harvest. Too much sunlight will dry out your broccoli. Not enough sunlight will stunt your its growth or even kill it.<\/p>\n<p>Ideally, your broccoli should be getting full sun, which means as much sunlight as you can possibly give it, or at least 6 hours or more. <\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Much_to_Water_Broccoli\"><\/span>How Much to Water Broccoli<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>As you&#8217;ve figured by now, a lot can have an impact on how well your broccoli do, and the amount of water is no different.<\/p>\n<p>Ideally, the soil should be damp to touch; not soggy or bone dry. If the leaves on your broccoli begin to change colors or start to look droopy, you need to adjust how much water you&#8217;re giving it.<\/p>\n<p>Unfortunately, if you give it too much or too little water, you can kill it, so it&#8217;s best to just keep an eye on it and water as needed.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Long_Does_it_Take_Broccoli_to_Germinate_and_Grow\"><\/span>How Long Does it Take Broccoli to Germinate and Grow?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Now the fun part begins and you get to watch your broccoli grow.<\/p>\n<p>It takes approximately 10-14 days to germinate, and a total of 90 days from seed to harvest.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_to_Harvest_Broccoli\"><\/span>When to Harvest Broccoli<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The best time to harvest your broccoli is when it starts to flower or turn yellow.<\/p>\n<p>Broccoli can grow up to about \u00a080 centimetres (31 in).<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Can_Broccoli_Be_Used_For\"><\/span>What Can Broccoli Be Used For?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Food Use:<\/strong> in a spicy raw salad,<\/p>\n<p><strong>Flavor Profile:<\/strong> Sweet, fresh broccoli taste!<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_Broccoli_Grow_in_Pots_and_Containers\"><\/span>Can Broccoli Grow in Pots and Containers?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Yes, you will ideally need a  12&#8243;+ containerfor each plant. This can help control weeds and keep your plant from growing out of control.<\/p>\n<p>It also gives you the flexibility to move your broccoli around if you need to adjust sunlight or bring it indoors to avoid harsh weather conditions.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_Broccoli_Safe_for_Bees\"><\/span>Are Broccoli Safe for Bees?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Yes, broccoli are safe for bees. <\/p>\n<p>According to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.greenpeace.org\/usa\/sustainable-agriculture\/save-the-bees\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">GreenPeace.org<\/a>, bees pollinate human food crops that make up about 90% of the world&#8217;s nutrition.<\/p>\n<p>Given their importance in our ecosystem and food supply, I feel it is important to note that growing broccoli is bee-friendly.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Broccoli, which are known botanically as Brassica Oleracea, are a type of vegetable that can easily be grown at home. Continue reading to learn the basics of growing broccoli as well as common mistakes to avoid along the way. Best Time to Plant Broccoli This will depend largely on your local climate, but as a rule of thumb, begin to plant the broccoli seeds six to eight weeks before the last frost. This is the best time to ensure that the seedlings survive the weather. To check when broccoli are most likely to thrive in your area, see the USDA <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":360,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[18,232],"tags":[30,22],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/439"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=439"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/439\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":814,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/439\/revisions\/814"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/360"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=439"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=439"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=439"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}