Broccoli is a cool season vegetable in the brassica (cabbage) family. The part we harvest is the immature flower head plus a portion of the stem.
How to grow
Cultural tips for growing broccoli, UC IPM
Planting
- Transplant seedlings 12 to 18 inches apart in February to April or August to September, possibly October depending on weather and local conditions.
- If growing your own seedlings, start the seeds 6 weeks before you want to plant.
- For larger heads, provide generous spacing. Planting closer together will produce smaller central heads.
Harvesting
- Broccoli matures in 60 to 90 days, depending on the time of year and the variety planted.
- Harvest broccoli heads as soon as they reach maturity. Ideally the buds on the heads should still be small and firm, not swelling or starting to open. But they are still edible even when blooming.
- Do not pull the plant after harvesting the initial main head. Side shoots (small broccoli heads) will form at the points where the leaves join the stems. A plant may produce side shoots for as long as 3 months in the late fall or winter.
- Warm weather, especially in the spring, may encourage bolting (going to flower).
Pest management
Pests and disorders of broccoli, UC IPM
Recommended varieties for Santa Clara County*
| Batavia, Hybrid | Large 6 to 8-inch main head plus side shoots on this very early broccoli. 18 to 24 inches tall. Plant 12 to 18 inches apart. |
| Belstar, Hybrid | Large 6 to 8-inch main head followed by plentiful side shoots which will continue all winter long. Later than Packman. 18 to 24 inches tall. Plant 12 to 18 inches apart. |
| Bonanza, Hybrid | Large 9-inch main head followed by a generous crop of large (5 inches across) side shoots. Productive and flavorful. 24 to 36 inches tall. Plant 12 to18 inches apart. |
| Broccolini (Aspabroc), Hybrid | Easy to grow baby broccoli produces dozens of tender, tasty heads with an asparagus-like flavor. 20 to 24 inches tall. Plant 24 inches apart. |
| Calabrese, OP | Medium-sized 3 to 6-inch main head followed by numerous side shoots for months afterward. 24 to 30 inches tall. Plant 12 to 18 inches apart. |
| Packman, Hybrid | Tasty, large 10-inch light blue-green main head followed by lots of side shoots which will continue through the winter. 18 to 24 inches tall. Plant 12 to 18 inches apart. |
| Waltham 29, OP | Delicious heirloom variety with plentiful side shoots. 18 to 24 inches tall. Plant 12 to 18 inches apart. |
Other recommended varieties: De Cicco, Green Comet, Green Goliath, Minaret, Premium Crop
* Many other varieties may also do well here in Santa Clara County. This list is based on UC Master Gardener trials, taste tests, and feedback from local growers.