Knowing how to harvest broccoli at the right time can help you enjoy crisp, tender heads and encourage the plant to keep producing. Broccoli is one of those crops that keeps on giving, with many varieties producing side shoots after the main head has been picked.
Know when broccoli is ready to harvest
Harvest the central head when it’s firm, compact and deep green, with tightly packed buds. Don’t wait until the buds begin to loosen or turn yellow, as this is a sign the plant is preparing to flower.
Checking your plants regularly is an important part of learning how to harvest broccoli, as the heads can change quickly once they approach maturity.
Harvest broccoli in the morning
Cut the central head at an angle, ideally in the cool of the morning. Use a clean, sharp knife and leave the plant in the ground after harvesting the main head.
Keep broccoli producing
Most broccoli varieties keep producing after the main head is cut, sending out a crop of smaller side shoots. Keep them coming by watering deeply and regularly, feeding monthly with organic fertiliser pellets and topping the bed with 5–7 cm of Sugar Cane Mulch. For an ongoing supply, sow broccoli regularly for a continuous harvest.
While you’re checking for new side shoots, keep an eye out for pests too. If you spot damage, find out what could be eating your broccoli.
Harvest the side shoots while their buds are still firm and tightly closed.
Make the most of your broccoli harvest
Fresh broccoli is delicious simply steamed or sautéed with butter and garlic, or roasted until the edges are crispy and caramelised.
Don’t waste the stems either. Peel and slice them for stir-fries or blitz them into a creamy broccoli soup.
Once you know how to harvest broccoli, you can make the most of the central head, enjoy the side shoots that follow and get more from your home-grown crop.
