If you’re looking to grow broccoli this season, you’ll be rewarded with one of the most productive and nutrient-rich crops. Once you harvest the main head, plants continue producing tender side shoots for weeks, sometimes months. Even the leaves are edible, making this a generous crop for family meals throughout the cooler months and into spring.
Why March is the right time to grow broccoli
Broccoli thrives in cool conditions, which is why autumn is the ideal time to grow broccoli in many regions. In warmer areas, plant now and provide young seedlings with a little afternoon shade if heat lingers. In colder areas, it’s important to get plants in as soon as possible so they establish before winter sets in.
For quick results, buy seedlings and plant them 45-50cm apart if you’re planning to grow broccoli this season. If you enjoy growing from seed, sow them 5-10mm deep directly into the garden or into punnets to transplant later. Choose your sunniest winter position for fastest growth – broccoli will still crop with half a day of sun, but it will just take a little longer.
Before planting, enrich the soil generously with compost or well-rotted manure. A sprinkle of blood and bone at planting time will give your plants a great start.
Keep them growing strong
When you have decided to grow broccoli, it is important to remember it is not a ‘set and forget’ vegetable – it needs regular care to maximise your production. Feed monthly with organic fertiliser and supplement with an application of liquid fertiliser every couple of weeks. Consistent moisture is essential for forming tight, full heads, so water whenever the top layer of soil dries out. Spreading a 5-7cm layer of sugar cane mulch will help regulate moisture and keep weeds down.
Watch for cabbage white butterflies fluttering about – their caterpillars can strip plants quickly. Fine pest exclusion netting is the simplest way to keep them at bay. Otherwise, inspect plants regularly and remove any eggs or caterpillars you spot on the leaves. Aphids may also appear, they can be managed by hosing them off with a sharp spray from the hose. Look out for slugs and snails too and sprinkle a few pet safe snail baits about if they prove to be troublesome.
Harvesting the rewards
Depending on the variety, you’ll be harvesting in around 10-16 weeks. Pick when the central head feels firm and tightly packed, cutting the stem at a slight angle (to shed rainfall). This signals the plant to produce multiple smaller shoots. Keep feeding and watering, and you’ll extend the harvest beautifully.
Don’t forget to use the leaves. Steam, stir-fry or add them to soups and pies. Even the stems are delicious, just peel them first to remove the fibrous skin.
Great varieties to try
- Waltham – large heads, long picking season
- Di Ciccio – heirloom favourite with abundant shoots
- Belstar – reliable and vigorous
- Summer Green – more heat tolerant
- Romanesco – striking spiral lime-green heads
