How to grow Broccoli

How to grow broccoli in a garden

In a sunny spot, fill pots or trays with Yates Seed Raising Mix and sow seeds. Firm down and water regularly to keep soil moist. Allow seedlings to grow to about 7cm h before transplanting.
Once seedlings have emerged, feed with Yates Thrive Vegie & Herb Liquid Plant Food.
Prepare the planting area by adding Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser to activate the soil microbes. Transplant seedlings and water in well with Yates Thrive Vegie & Herb Liquid Plant Food.
Broccoli is susceptible to a soil-borne problem called club root, which causes the plants to wilt rapidly on hot days. To help avoid this problem, make sure you plant broccoli into a different bed or area each year – don’t go back to the same bed for at least three years.

How to grow broccoli in a pot

In a sunny spot, fill pots or trays with Yates Seed Raising Mix and sow seeds. Firm down and water regularly to keep soil moist. Allow seedlings to grow to about 7cm before transplanting.
Broccoli can grow quite large, so ensure it has enough space to grow by selecting a pot that is at least 50cm diameter. Fill with Yates Potting Mix with Dynamic Lifter. Transplant seedlings, backfill with potting mix and water in well with Yates Thrive Vegie & Herb Liquid Plant Food.
Feed weekly with Yates Thrive Vegie & Herb Liquid Plant Food.

Yates varieties

Broccoli Green Sprouting (Organic)

This old favourite, cool season vegetable will grow to 80cm and produce flavourful deep green heads.

Broccoli Shogun Winter Harvest

The best quality, hybrid choice for the cooler months. Firm dome-shaped heads that hold well in the garden. Side branches continue to produce after central head is cut.

Broccoli Summer Green

An excellent hot weather variety that can also be grown in the cooler months. It produces a good-sized main head followed by side shoots. Attractive colour and fine flavour.

Chinese Broccoli Kailaan

This is a quick growing vegetable with a slightly bitter taste and crisp texture. It is rich in calcium, iron and vitamins A and C.

Growing tips

Broccoli grows relatively slowly in the cooler months and is usually ready for harvest in 16 – 20 weeks. Cut the large central head when the buds are well formed, but before the flowers start to open. Removing this central head will encourage smaller side shoots to form. They’ll be ready for a second picking in a few weeks time.
The interesting Chinese broccoli called ‘Kailaan’ forms a looser, lighter head that is usually harvested when a few of the flowers have opened.
A layer of mulch will retain moisture in the soil.