Fir0002 / GFDL 1.2
garden
Broccoli
Brassica oleracea var. italica
Edible
Edible Partsflowers, leaves, stem
Overview
A member of the brassica family bred from wild cabbage on the Mediterranean coast, broccoli was refined by Italian gardeners over centuries before becoming a worldwide staple. Each head is actually a cluster of hundreds of unopened flower buds, and many varieties produce side shoots for weeks after the main head is cut. It is among the most nutrient-dense vegetables available.
Growing Conditions
LightFull Sun
MoistureModerate
Hardiness Zones3 — 10
Height0.7m
Spread0.6m
Growth HabitForb/herb
LifespanAnnual
Pollinator Valuemoderate
Companion Planting & Soil
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Soil pH6 — 7
Soil TypeRich, moist, well-drained soil with plenty of compost
Planting Calendar
When to sow, transplant, and harvest by growing zone.
| Zone | Action | Months | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold (1-2) | Start Indoors | Mar — Apr | Start 6-8 weeks before last frost |
| Cold (1-2) | Transplant | May — Jun | Transplant 2 weeks before last frost |
| Cold (1-2) | Harvest | Jul — Aug | Cut main head; side shoots continue 4-6 weeks |
| Cool (3-4) | Start Indoors | Feb — Mar | Start 6-8 weeks before last frost |
| Cool (3-4) | Transplant | Apr — May | Transplant 2 weeks before last frost |
| Cool (3-4) | Harvest | Jun — Jul | Cut main head; harvest side shoots |
| Moderate (5-7) | Start Indoors | Jan — Feb | Start 6-8 weeks before last frost |
| Moderate (5-7) | Transplant | Mar — Apr | Transplant in early spring |
| Moderate (5-7) | Harvest | May — Jun | Harvest before flowers open |
| Warm (8-9) | Transplant | Jan — Feb | Spring crop; transplant in winter |
| Warm (8-9) | Transplant | Sep — Oct | Fall crop |
| Warm (8-9) | Harvest | Mar — Apr | Harvest before heat; also Nov-Dec for fall crop |
| Hot (10+) | Transplant | Oct — Nov | Cool-season only |
| Hot (10+) | Harvest | Dec — Feb (wraps) | Winter harvest |
Uses
Culinary
- Steamed, roasted, or stir-fried as a side dish
- Raw with dip or in salads and slaws
- Pureed into soups and sauces
Medicinal
- Rich in sulforaphane, a potent anti-cancer compound
- High in vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate
- Fiber and chromium support blood sugar regulation
Other Uses
- Flowers attract beneficial insects if left to bolt
