How to Grow Broccoli

Intermediate

Brassica oleracea var. italica

A cool-season brassica. Harvest the central head before it flowers; side shoots continue producing.

Last updated: June 2026

Days to Maturity

60–100 days

typical

Per Square Foot

Plant Spacing

46 cm / 18"

Sun

6+ hours

Water

1.5" / 38 mm

Fertilization

heavy feeder

Growing Notes

Start indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost, or direct sow in late summer for a fall crop.

Varieties & Cultivars

9 cultivars in our database. Click any card to see growing details.

1890s Italian heirloom

(1)

De Cicco

48–65 days Open-Pollinated

multi-harvest

Height: 24–36" (61–91 cm)
Yield / plant: —
Avg fruit: 7.1 oz (200 g)
Support: none
Harvest: cut-and-come-again
USDA Zones: 3–10
Seed saving: difficult
Seed viability: 5 years

1954 release

(1)

Waltham 29

74–90 days Open-Pollinated

cold tolerant; good for fall planting; prolific side shoots

Height: 24–36" (61–91 cm)
Yield / plant: —
Avg fruit: 14.1 oz (400 g)
Support: none
Harvest: once
USDA Zones: 3–10
Seed saving: difficult
Seed viability: 5 years

Cold-hardy hybrid

(1)

Winterol

60–70 days Hybrid

good for fall/winter harvest; reliable producer; good flavour

Height: 12–18" (30–46 cm)
Yield / plant: —
Avg fruit: 0.8 oz (22 g)
Support: none
Harvest: once
USDA Zones: 3–10
Seed saving: easy
Seed viability: 5 years

F1 hybrid

(3)

Belstar

65–75 days Hybrid

widely adaptable; good spring and fall crops

Height: 18–30" (46–76 cm)
Yield / plant: —
Avg fruit: 12.3 oz (350 g)
Support: none
Harvest: once
USDA Zones: 3–10
Seed saving: difficult
Seed viability: 5 years

Green Magic

60–70 days Hybrid

excellent heat tolerance; reliable

Height: 18–24" (46–61 cm)
Yield / plant: —
Avg fruit: 12.3 oz (350 g)
Support: none
Harvest: once
USDA Zones: 3–10
Seed saving: difficult
Seed viability: 5 years

Marathon

68–75 days Hybrid

very large dense blue-green dome-shaped heads; good side shoots after main harvest; heat and cold tolerant; widely adapted

Height: 24–30" (61–76 cm)
Yield / plant: —
Avg fruit: 14.1 oz (400 g)
Support: none
Harvest: once
USDA Zones: 3–10
Seed saving: difficult
Seed viability: 5 years

Italian heirloom

(1)

Di Cicco Vernese

75–85 days Open-Pollinated

tender dark green florets; mild flavour; long harvest period

Height: 12–24" (30–61 cm)
Yield / plant: —
Avg fruit: 0.9 oz (25 g)
Support: none
Harvest: continuous
USDA Zones: 4–9
Seed saving: easy
Seed viability: 5 years

Purple-tinged florets turn green when cooked

(1)

Purple Crown

65–75 days Open-Pollinated

visually striking; good side shoot production

Height: 12–18" (30–46 cm)
Yield / plant: —
Avg fruit: 0.7 oz (20 g)
Support: none
Harvest: once
USDA Zones: 3–10
Seed saving: easy
Seed viability: 5 years

Other

(1)

Calabrese

65–80 days Open-Pollinated

Height: 24–36" (61–91 cm)
Yield / plant: —
Avg fruit: 14.1 oz (400 g)
Support: none
Harvest: once
USDA Zones: 3–10
Seed saving: difficult
Seed viability: 5 years

Companion Planting

What to grow alongside broccoli, and what to keep apart.

Plant With

Basil : Basil repels aphids from broccoli

Dill : Dill attracts beneficial insects that protect brassicas

Oregano : Oregano deters cabbage moths from broccoli

Mint : Mint deters cabbage pests from broccoli (grow in containers)

Spinach : Spinach fills space between broccoli plants

Chives : Chives deter aphids from brassicas

Onion : Onions repel cabbage moths from brassicas

Lettuce : Lettuce uses space between broccoli plants

Rosemary : Rosemary repels cabbage moths from broccoli

Sage : Sage repels cabbage moths from broccoli

Thyme : Thyme repels cabbage worms from broccoli

Keep Apart

Tomato : Both are heavy feeders competing for nutrients

Strawberry : Brassicas inhibit strawberry growth and share disease pressure

Square Foot Spacing

1 per sq ft

12" apart (entire square)

View full spacing chart →

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