Broccoli

Brassica oleracea

History of Broccoli

Broccoli belongs to the cabbage family and originates in Southern Italy. Broccoli was first named broccolo calabrese in Italian, which derives from the Latin "brachium", a term that means "arm, branch, or sprout. When broccoli was first introduced to England, it was referred to as "Italian asparagus".

Planting Instruction

Start seeds indoors, 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost or after the danger of frost, sow outdoors.
Depth of Planting: 1/2 inch
Seed Spacing: 3 feet / 1 1/2 inch
Soil Requirements:
- - Well drained, yet moisture retentive
  - pH: 6 to 7

Planting Per Zone

3, 4, and 5: April - May
6 and 7: March - April
8: February - March
9: July - December

Growth Information

- Easy to Grow
- Days to Germinate: 10-15
- Biennial Plant
- 6-8 hours of sunlight a day
- Water plants daily for the first week to establish the crop, then continue to irrigate every 4-5 days as needed
- Grows to 18-36 inches tall and 6-12 inches in diameter

Harvesting

Days to Harvest: 85-92
Look for Signs
- - The head should be firm, tight, and about 4-7 inches.
  - Florets on the outside edge of the head should get to be the size of the head and deep green.
Cut the head off with sharp scissors or a knife to avoid damaging the stem
- - Leave 2-3 inches of the main stem on the plant