Latin Name: Brassica rapa
Main Uses: Culinary

Days to Maturity: 75 days
Exposure: Full sun
Height: 60 - 75 cm (24 - 30 inches)
Certified Organic: USDA Certified Organic

Germination: 10 - 20 days at 18 - 24°C.
Sowing Indoors: 4 - 6 weeks before planting out. Started indoors, Broccoli likes warm soil to germinate, then cooler temperatures to establish the young seedlings. Apply Sea Magic from first watering. From the second set of true leaves to time of transplanting, alternate between Sea Magic and seed-starting fertilizer (such as Evolve) once per week.
Seeding Depth: 1/4 “ to 1/2”.
Planting Out: Plant 18 - 24” apart in rows 24 - 36” apart once the chance of hard frost has passed. Broccoli plants can take a light frost.  Broccoli plants grow best at temperatures around 15º C, but will also tolerate warmer temps.

Growing in Containers: Can be grown in large containers (half-barrel, for example).

Fertilizing (Garden): Plant in a garden bed amended with compost. Fertilizer at transplant, then about every four weeks. 

Watering (Garden): Water new transplants regularly to establish roots. Once established, water deeply as required.

Special Requirements for Cold Climate Gardeners: Broccoli becomes dry and less palatable if it experiences significant drought while growing. Water regularly during dry spells and mulch garden beds. To prevent pest and disease occurrences, Broccoli should not be planted in the same soil two years in a row.

Pest/Disease Issues: Broccoli is more pest-resistant than other brassicas, but slugs, aphids and cabbage worms are potential threats to the crop. Flea beetles are a challenge in some areas, and row covers may be required. 

Suitability for Indoors: Not suited for indoors.