How to Grow Broccoli Plants

Here are the top tips for growing broccoli. For more detailed information, keep reading below.

• Timing: Broccoli is a cool-season crop; plant it in early spring or in late summer for a fall harvest.
• Sunlight: Choose a location that gets 6 to 8 hours of full sun every day.
• Soil: Enhance your garden soil by mixing in Miracle-Gro Organic™ Raised Bed & Garden Soil. For outdoor containers, use Miracle-Gro Organic™ Outdoor Potting Mix.
• Spacing: Space young broccoli plants 18 to 24 inches apart in your garden.
• Feeding: Begin feeding your plants with Miracle-Gro Organic™ All Purpose Plant Food one month after planting.
• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, providing about an inch of water per week.

Like broccoli and cheddar, some things just go together. This nutrient-packed vegetable isn't just for eating in your salads, soups, and casseroles—it's for growing in your garden! Broccoli is a cool-season crop, meaning it grows best when the weather is on the cooler side. You can plant it in both the spring and fall for multiple harvests. Ready to grow something delicious in your garden? Here are our tips for growing broccoli.

When and Where to Plant Broccoli

Broccoli plants like to mature in cool weather. The key to success is planting at the right time for your region.

• For spring planting: start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before your last spring frost date. They can be moved to the garden 2-3 weeks before the last frost.
• For a fall crop: plant young plants in the ground about 6 to 8 weeks before your first expected fall frost. If starting from seed, plant them 12 to 14 weeks before the first frost date.

Choose an area with at least 6 to 8 hours of full sun and well-draining soil. Loosen the top 6 inches of your garden soil and mix in a 3-inch layer of Miracle-Gro Organic™ Raised Bed & Garden Soil. If growing broccoli in raised beds, fill your beds with the same soil. When planting in outdoor containers, use aged compost-enriched Miracle-Gro Organic™ Outdoor Potting Mix. 

How to Plant Broccoli

You can start broccoli seeds indoors or plant young starter plants, like those from Bonnie Plants. If you plan to grow in outdoor containers, choose a pot that is at least 12 inches wide. For in-ground or raised bed gardens, space your young broccoli plants 18 to 24 inches apart. After planting, be sure to water them thoroughly.

How to Care for Broccoli Plants

Broccoli roots tend to spread out near the surface, so be careful not to disturb them when you tend your garden.

• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist to help your broccoli grow big and strong. Provide about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week, especially as temperatures warm up.
• Feeding: One month after planting, give your broccoli a necessary boost of nutrition with Miracle-Gro Organic™ All Purpose Plant Food. Be sure to follow the directions on the label.
• Mulching: Add a 3-inch layer of mulch around your plants to help the soil conserve moisture and to block weeds from getting sunlight. If weeds do appear, remove them carefully to avoid disturbing the broccoli roots.
• Preventing Bolting: "Bolting" is when a plant grows flowers prematurely. In cole crops, like broccoli, this is mainly caused by hot weather. The best way to avoid it is to plant at the right time for your climate and to harvest your broccoli as soon as it's ready. 

Harvesting Your Broccoli

Knowing when to cut the main head is key to a great harvest and encouraging side shoots to grow. For detailed instructions, check out our article on How to Harvest Broccoli.

How to Use Broccoli in Your Kitchen

Broccoli tastes best right after it's picked, but you can store it in your refrigerator's crisper drawer for up to a week. Whether you steam it, bake it, sauté it, or serve it raw, your homegrown broccoli will add a delicious and hearty boost to your meals.

Enjoy the rich flavor and satisfaction that comes with growing this garden-to-table favorite. With these tips, you're ready to add delicious, homegrown broccoli to your meals.