Holly's Homestead — Brassica
Broccoli
Brassica oleracea var. italica · Brassica family
DIFFICULTY Moderate
TYPE Annual, seedling
MATURITY 60–90 days
TYPE Annual, seedling
MATURITY 60–90 days
Sun
Full sun
Water
Consistent, deep
Soil pH
6.0–7.0
Spacing
45–50cm
Depth
as per seedling
01Cut the head, keep the plant
Harvesting the central head doesn't end the plant — most varieties keep producing smaller side shoots for weeks afterward, extending the harvest considerably.
02Planting
Method
Transplant seedlings; firm soil around the base.
Soil
Rich, well-drained, high organic matter.
Timing
Plant in cooler months.
03Growing care
- Water deeply and consistently.
- Feed well early on — broccoli is a heavy feeder.
- Net against cabbage moth from planting.
- Cut side shoots regularly after the main head to keep them coming.
04Problems
- Cabbage moth — caterpillars; net or hand-pick.
- Clubroot — rotate beds, keep pH up.
- Aphids — hose off or encourage ladybirds.
- Premature flowering (buttoning) — heat or transplant stress; plant at the right time.
05Harvest & storage
Signs
Head is tight and firm, before any yellow flowers show.
Method
Cut the main head at an angle, leaving the plant to produce side shoots.
Curing
None needed.
Storage
Fridge crisper, about a week.
06Companions & rotation
Plant nearby
OnionCeleryDillAvoid nearby
TomatoStrawberryRotation note
Rotate brassicas on a 3–4 year cycle.