Broccoli Seeds

West Coast Seeds, Broccoli Seeds - Additional Information

How to Grow Broccoli

Planting Schedule:
Begin indoors around the last frost date for a summer harvest in 2-3 months. For a fall harvest, start seeds indoors in late spring and transplant in July to harvest before the first frost. In mild winter regions, start indoors from late March to mid-April for harvest the following February to May. Seeds typically sprout in 7-10 days at an ideal temperature range of 10-30°C (50-85°F).


Seed Starting:
Plant 3-4 seeds per pot indoors, about 5mm (¼") deep, in a brightly lit area. Keep the strongest seedlings and space them 45-60cm (18-24″) apart in garden rows 75-90cm (30-36″) apart when transplanting.


Growth Conditions:
Broccoli thrives in soil with a pH of 6.0-6.8. Enrich humus-heavy soil with composted manure and mix in ¼-½ cups of complete organic fertilizer beneath each plant. Transplant when seedlings have 6-8 true leaves. For tall plants 20-25cm (8-10″), mound soil up to the first large leaf to promote side shoots. Cooler weather conditions are optimal.


Harvesting:
Harvest the main broccoli head with a 5 to 6-inch stem once fully grown but before the flowers begin to bloom yellow. Removing the main head encourages new growth for later harvests. Cutting lower on the stem yields fewer but larger shoots. Continue harvesting for several weeks as the plant produces new offshoots from the lower leaf bases.

Broccoli Diseases & Pests

Flea beetles:
Protect your broccoli with row covers from the start to avoid early damage. Install covers upon planting and remove them before the peak of summer heat to prevent overheating.


Cabbage Root Maggot:
These white larvae target all members of the cabbage family, burrowing into and feeding on the roots, leading to early wilting and potentially plant death. Vigilance and prompt action are essential.


Cabbage Aphids:
Dislodge aphids from your plants using a strong water spray. Periodically rinse plants with water, preferably in the morning, to keep these pests at bay.


Cabbageworms:
The best control is manually removing and eliminating these pests from your plants. Regular inspection and handpicking are critical.


To minimize disease risks, practice crop rotation. Avoid planting broccoli or other Brassica family members in the same spot more frequently than once every three to four years. This strategy helps to keep the soil healthy and pest populations in check.