Growing Broccoli from Seed to Harvest

Calabrese is easier and quicker to grow than other types of broccoli.

48 days. (Brassica oleracea) An Italian heirloom that was brought to America in the 1880s, 5-8" heads and many side shoots.

For the best results, broccoli should be planted after a crop of peas or beans, as these vegetables leave deposits of nitrogen in the soil, which is much needed by the broccoli for healthy growth and development. 

Broccoli is a cool weather crop that generally thrives in cooler temperatures that do not exceed 30°C (86°F). The ideal temperature for cultivating broccoli is between 65 - 75°F.

Broccoli should be planted in an open, sunny or partially shaded area.  I like to soak seeds for up to 24 hours before planting.

Sow broccoli seeds thinly, approximately 1/2 inch deep in rows that are 2 feet apart. Cover the seeds loosely with soil and water well. The seeds will germinate within about 10 days and then the seedlings can be thinned out to 1 foot apart (for Calabrese).

Calabrese is an extremely fast-growing crop and some varieties will be ready to harvest from anything between 40 - 65 days. If sown in April or May, the broccoli should be ready to harvest from July onwards until November. 

The newest addition to Mary's Heirloom Seeds is the Romanesco De Italia Broccoli

 75-100 days.    The true and popular Italian heirloom with spiraling, apple-green heads that are so superbly flavored.   Romanesco broccoli heads are really densely packed clusters of lime green flower buds that develop in the center of a leafy rosette. This variety is widely grown in northern Italy. A must with many of the finest chefs.

Harvest the broccoli when the side florets start to loosen slightly but the main head is still very compact. Cut at the base of the stalk, so that the main head is removed.

Companion plants for Broccoli include: Basil, Bush Beans, Cucumber, Dill, Garlic, Hyssop, Lettuce, Marigold, Mint, Nasturtium, Onion, Potato, Radish, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme and Tomato. 

Celery, onions and potatoes improve broccolis' flavor when planted near it. Broccoli loves plenty of calcium. Pairing it with plants that need little calcium is a good combination such as nasturtiums and beets. Put the nasturtiums right under the broccoli plants. Herbs such as rosemary, dill and sage help repel pests with their distinct aromas. 

For natural and Organic pest control, use Companion planting and Diatomaceous Earth 

 Recipes for fresh Broccoli

Broccoli Mushroom "Stir-Fry" from Rawmazing

Organic Broccoli Cheese Soup from Sweetwater Organic Community Farm

 Vegan Broccoli Salad from The Blender Girl

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Growing Broccoli

I'm not quite sure where I picked up most of this information about Broccoli.  As you will read, Broccoli is a cool weather veggie.  Living in South Florida, I haven't had a chance to grow broccoli.

Calabrese is easier and quicker to grow than other types of broccoli, with only 15 weeks to harvest from planting. Broccoli requires approximately 40 weeks.

For the best results, broccoli should be planted after a crop of peas or beans, as these vegetables leave deposits of nitrogen in the soil, which is much needed by the broccoli for healthy growth and development.
Broccoli is a cool weather crop that generally thrives in cooler temperatures that do not exceed 30°C (86°F). The ideal temperature for cultivating broccoli is between 65 - 75°F.

Broccoli should be planted in an open, sunny or partially shaded area.

Sow broccoli seeds thinly, approximately 1 inch deep in rows that are 2 feet apart. Cover the seeds loosely with soil and water well. The seeds will germinate within about 10 days and then the seedlings can be thinned out to 1 foot apart (for Calabrese).

Calabrese is an extremely fast-growing crop and some varieties will be ready to harvest from anything between 40 - 65 days. If sown in April or May, the broccoli should be ready to harvest from July onwards until November.

Harvest the broccoli when the side florets start to loosen slightly but the main head is still very compact. Cut the Calabrese at the base of the stalk, so that the main head is removed.

Quick, Cheap and Easy

I have a sign hanging in my kitchen
(from my hubby's bachelor days)
that reads "If I am what I eat-I'm quick cheap and easy."
It was a gift from his brother...need I say more?

Last week my mom asked me "What's the easiest thing to grow that will come up the fastest?"

This one's for you Mom!

The quickest maturing veggie I'm aware of are Radish and Spinach.

The German Giant Radish germinates in approx. 3-5 days and grows well in soil temperature of 45 to 85 F. Radish is ready to pick and eat in 21 to 30 days. Planting radish can be done in the Spring, Summer or Fall in almost all zones making this one easy veggie. Mary's Heirloom Seeds sells seed pack with 300 seeds for only $4. Now that's quick, cheap and easy!


Spinach is another great crop. It can be grown indoors or out during almost any season. Spinach germinates in 7-14 days and grows well in soil temperatures between 30 to 60 F. For container gardeners, choose a 12 inch deep pot and keep the soil moist. Spinach can be harvested as soon as leaves are big enough to pick.


What about Broccoli? Mom always said "Eat your vegetables."

Broccoli germinates in approx 5-20 days (depending on temperature) at 50 to 85F. Compost is a must for this heavy feeder. This cool-season crop can be grown in containers or in-ground and matures in 48 days.