Broccoli
A healthy and delicious brassica, forming a central 'head' of florets. While requiring a little patience, home-grown broccoli is far superior to shop-bought.
Broccoli seeds
£2.29 in the shop
Calendar
Sow
Indoors: March – May. Outdoors: April – June.
Plant out
May – July, when seedlings have 4-5 true leaves and are hardened off.
Harvest
July – October (for summer/autumn varieties)
Conditions
Sun
Full sun, 6-8 hours a day
Water
Consistent moisture is crucial, especially during head formation. Avoid drying out.
Soil
Deep, fertile, well-drained, pH 6.0–7.5
Spacing
45-60cm between plants
Containers
Possible in very large, deep pots (40cm+ diameter) for single plants.
Indoors
Starting indoors gives a head start and better protection from pests.
Care and harvest
Feeding
Enrich soil with compost. Feed with a balanced liquid feed every few weeks once established, switching to a high-potash feed as heads form.
Pruning
Remove yellowing lower leaves. Once the main head is cut, leave the plant to produce side shoots.
Harvesting
Cut the central head when florets are tight and before flowers open. Continue to harvest side shoots.
Storage
Store in the fridge for up to a week. Can be blanched and frozen.
Good companions: Marigolds, Mint, Rosemary, Nasturtiums, Onions