Soil
Rich, deep soil, firm with plenty of well rotted compost, composted manure, or balanced organic fertilizer dug in prior to planting.
Position
Full sun.
Frost tolerant
Yes.
Feeding
Mix composted manure or another high-nitrogen compost into the soil before planting. When heads begin to form, feed with a liquid plant food.
Companions
Oregano, Cabbage, Brussels Sprouts, Cauliflower, Broccoli, Kale and Crimson Clover.
Spacing
Single Plants: 1′ 5″ (45cm) each way (minimum)
Rows: 1′ 5″ (45cm) with 1′ 5″ (45cm) row gap (minimum)
Sow and Plant
Sow indoors in early spring, and set out while the soil is still cool. Sow fall broccoli indoors in summer, and set out when the plants are 3 weeks old.
Notes
Broccoli that matures in cool fall weather has an especially tender texture with sweet flavor to match.
Harvesting
Use a sharp knife to harvest the primary head when the beads are plump and well-filled. Many varieties produce numerous smaller side shoots after the primary head is cut.
Troubleshooting
Cabbageworms are small green larvae of the cabbage white butterfly. You can use row covers to keep them from eating plants.
