The ideal range for broccoli germination falls between 40°F (4°C) and 85°F (29°C). However, the optimal temperature is typically around 75°F (24°C).

Start seeds indoors 6-9 weeks prior to your last frost date, or direct sow 2-3 weeks prior to your last frost date.

Plant out broccoli seedlings after the threat of hard frost (below 28°F (10°C) for several hours) has passed.

Full sunlight: at least 6-8 hours a day.

Space plants 12-18″ apart. Be sure to check the seed packet for specifics on your variety’s size.

Broccoli is a cool weather crop, with ideal daytime temperatures ranging between 40°F and 70°F (4°C to 21°C). Broccoli is a cold tolerant crop, hardy down to about 26°F (-3°C).

Keep the soil consistently moist.  Water at the base of the plants to keep the foliage dry and reduce the risk of diseases.

Broccoli does not require pruning.

Harvest broccoli before the florets turn yellow. Use a knife or garden shears to remove the head and several inches of the stem. After the main head is harvested, some varieties may grow side shoots which can be harvested and eaten in the same manner.

Broccoli is propagated from seeds. Broccoli cross-pollinates with not only other broccoli varieties but also other brassica plants, so saved seeds are often not true.

Like all brassica crops, broccoli is highly susceptible to the cabbage worm and cabbage looper which can decimate entire crops. Consider growing broccoli under insect netting.