Grow Broccoli

Fall is the best time in Texas to grow broccoli. In many areas of the country, it can also be grown in the spring.

Grow Broccoli - 11/10-11/16/2025

Right now, Waltham broccoli is a favorite among our seed customers.

Hey there, fellow gardener! Let me tell you something exciting—growing your own broccoli is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have in your garden. There's nothing quite like walking out to your vegetable patch and harvesting fresh, crisp broccoli heads that you grew yourself from tiny seeds. Today, I'm going to share everything you need to know about how to grow broccoli in the spring garden and grow broccoli in the fall garden with heirloom seeds from David's Garden Seeds.

I remember the first time I tried growing broccoli. I was nervous, thinking it would be too complicated. But guess what? It turned out to be much easier than I expected! Broccoli is actually a pretty forgiving vegetable once you understand its basic needs. And the best part? You get two chances every year to grow it—once in spring and once in fall.

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty details, let's talk about why broccoli is such a fantastic crop for your garden. This nutritious vegetable is packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It's a superfood that tastes amazing when it's fresh from your garden. Plus, homegrown broccoli has a flavor that store-bought versions just can't match.

Here's something important you need to know right from the start: broccoli grows best in cool weather. This is why we plant it in spring and fall rather than during the hot summer months. Understanding this simple fact will help you succeed with your broccoli growing adventures.

David's Garden Seeds offers excellent broccoli seed varieties that are perfect for both spring and fall planting. These seeds are carefully selected for their quality, germination rates, and ability to produce delicious, healthy broccoli heads. When you start with good seeds, you're already halfway to success.

Grow Broccoli - Understanding Broccoli's Growing Requirements

This is Deciccio broccoli.

Let's talk about what broccoli needs to thrive in your garden. This cool-season crop has specific requirements that, when met, will reward you with beautiful, tasty heads. Think of broccoli as a plant that likes the weather you'd enjoy wearing a light jacket in—not too hot, not too cold.

Broccoli prefers temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. When temperatures climb above 80 degrees, broccoli plants can become stressed and may bolt, which means they'll flower prematurely and you won't get those nice, tight heads you're hoping for.

Your soil needs to be rich in nutrients and have good drainage. Broccoli is what we call a "heavy feeder," meaning it needs lots of nutrients to produce those big, beautiful heads. The soil pH should be between 6.0 and 7.0 for optimal growth.

Sunlight is another crucial factor. Your broccoli plants need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. In spring, you can plant them in full sun, but in fall, especially in warmer climates, a little afternoon shade can actually help keep them cool and happy.

Grow Broccoli - Planning Your Spring Garden

Purple Sprouting broccoli is pretty and tastes just like the green broccoli.

Spring broccoli planting requires some planning because you need to time things just right. You want your broccoli to mature before the hot summer weather arrives. This timing varies depending on where you live, but I'll give you the general guidelines that work for most areas.

In most regions, you'll want to start your broccoli seeds indoors about 6 to 8 weeks before your last expected spring frost date. If you live in zone 7 or warmer, you might even be able to direct sow seeds outdoors in early spring.

When I plan my spring broccoli garden, I always check my local frost dates first. This information is usually available from your local extension office or online. Once you know your last frost date, you can count backward to figure out when to start your seeds.

Here's a tip from my own experience: don't rush it! I once got too eager and planted my broccoli seedlings outside too early. A late frost damaged several plants, and I learned my lesson. It's better to wait a week or two longer than to risk losing your plants to cold damage.

Grow Broccoli - Starting Broccoli Seeds Indoors for Spring

Calabrese is a tight-headed Italian variety.

Starting broccoli seeds indoors is actually pretty straightforward. You'll need seed starting trays or small pots, good quality seed starting mix, and a warm spot in your home. The seeds will germinate best at temperatures between 70 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

Fill your seed starting containers with moistened seed starting mix. Plant your David's Garden Seeds broccoli seeds about 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep. You can plant two seeds per cell or pot, and if both germinate, you can thin to the strongest seedling later.

Water your seeds gently after planting. I like to use a spray bottle for this because it won't disturb the seeds. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Think of it like a wrung-out sponge—damp but not dripping.

Your broccoli seeds should germinate within 5 to 10 days. Once they sprout, move them to a bright location. A sunny windowsill works, but a grow light is even better because it provides consistent light. Keep the lights about 2 to 3 inches above the seedlings.

As your seedlings grow, they'll develop their first true leaves. These look different from the initial seed leaves and are the first real broccoli leaves. Once your seedlings have 3 to 4 true leaves, they're getting ready for the next stage.

Grow Broccoli - Hardening Off Your Spring Seedlings

Grow broccoli like Green Magic broccoli in your garden.

Before you can transplant your indoor-grown seedlings outside, they need to go through a process called "hardening off." This is basically teaching your pampered indoor plants how to survive in the real world outside.

Start the hardening off process about a week before you plan to transplant. On the first day, place your seedlings outside in a sheltered, shady spot for just an hour or two. Bring them back inside afterward.

Each day, gradually increase the time your seedlings spend outside and slowly introduce them to more sunlight. By the end of the week, they should be able to stay outside all day and night, as long as temperatures don't drop below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

I learned about hardening off the hard way. My first year growing broccoli, I moved my seedlings straight from indoors to the garden. They wilted dramatically and took weeks to recover. Some didn't make it at all. Don't skip this step—your plants need this transition time!

Grow Broccoli - Transplanting Spring Broccoli to the Garden

Grow broccoli such as Belstar broccoli.

When your seedlings are hardened off and your soil is workable, it's time to transplant. Choose a cloudy day or transplant in the evening to reduce transplant shock. Your seedlings should be about 4 to 6 weeks old and have several sets of true leaves.

Prepare your garden bed by working in plenty of compost or well-rotted manure. Remember, broccoli is a heavy feeder, so you want that soil rich and nutritious. I usually add about 2 to 3 inches of compost and work it into the top 6 inches of soil.

Space your broccoli plants about 18 to 24 inches apart in rows that are 24 to 36 inches apart. This might seem like a lot of space, but trust me, broccoli plants get big! They need room for their leaves to spread out and for air to circulate around them.

Dig holes that are slightly larger than your seedling root balls. Gently remove each seedling from its container, being careful not to disturb the roots too much. Place the seedling in the hole so it's at the same depth it was growing in the container, or even slightly deeper.

Fill in around the roots with soil and press firmly to eliminate air pockets. Water each plant thoroughly after transplanting. I like to give each plant about a cup of water right after planting to help settle the soil around the roots.

Grow Broccoli - Planning Your Fall Broccoli Garden

This is Purple Magic broccoli. It grows a full head, unlike the Purple Sprouting pictured above.

Now let's talk about how to grow broccoli in the fall, which is actually my favorite time to grow this crop. Fall broccoli often tastes sweeter because the cooler temperatures bring out the best flavors. Plus, you have fewer pest problems in fall than in spring.

For fall broccoli, you need to count backward from your first expected fall frost date. Most broccoli varieties need about 70 to 100 days to mature from transplanting. Check your seed packet for the specific "days to maturity" for your variety.

In most areas, you'll start your fall broccoli seeds in mid to late summer. Yes, this means starting seeds during hot weather, but don't worry—I'll share some tricks to help with that. The key is getting those seeds started even though it's hot, so the plants will mature when the weather cools down.

When I grow broccoli in the fall, I actually find it more reliable than spring crops. There's no race against rising temperatures, and the plants just keep getting better as the weather cools. Some varieties even taste better after a light frost!

Grow Broccoli - Starting Seeds for Fall Broccoli

Grow Gypsy broccoli, a heat tolerant hybrid variety.

You can start your fall broccoli seeds indoors where it's air-conditioned, or you can direct sow them in the garden if you provide some shade and keep them well-watered. I usually start mine indoors because I can control the conditions better.

If you're starting seeds indoors during summer, try to find the coolest spot in your house. A basement is ideal if you have one. You can also place your seed trays in front of an air conditioning vent to keep them cool.

Another trick I've used successfully is to germinate the seeds in the refrigerator! Place your planted seeds in the fridge for 2 to 3 days, checking daily for germination. Once they sprout, move them to a cool, bright location. This method really works when it's too hot for normal germination.

Follow the same seed starting procedures I described for spring planting. Plant seeds 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep, keep the soil moist, and provide good light once they germinate. Your goal is to have sturdy seedlings ready to transplant in about 4 to 6 weeks.

Starting broccoli seeds in summer heat can be tricky, but it's definitely doable. The challenge is that broccoli seeds prefer cooler temperatures for germination, but you're starting them when it's warm outside.

Grow Broccoli - Transplanting Fall Broccoli

Transplanting fall broccoli happens during late summer, which means you're moving plants into the garden when it's still pretty warm. This requires some extra care to help your seedlings survive the transition.

Prepare your garden bed the same way you would for spring broccoli—lots of compost worked into the soil. If you grew a spring crop in this spot, you might want to add some additional fertilizer since the previous crop used up nutrients.

Transplant in the evening or on a cloudy day to reduce stress on your seedlings. Water your seedlings well before transplanting—this helps them handle the stress better. I also water the planting holes before putting the seedlings in.

Space your fall broccoli the same as spring broccoli—18 to 24 inches apart. After transplanting, water thoroughly and consider providing some temporary shade for the first few days. I use shade cloth or even old bed sheets propped up on stakes to protect new transplants from intense sun.

Keep your newly transplanted fall broccoli well-watered during the first couple of weeks. They need consistent moisture to establish their roots. Once they're established and the weather starts cooling down, they'll take off and grow vigorously.

Grow Broccoli - Watering Your Broccoli Plants

Whether you're growing spring or fall broccoli, proper watering is crucial for success. Broccoli needs consistent moisture throughout its growing period. The soil should stay evenly moist but not waterlogged.

I recommend providing about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week, either from rainfall or irrigation. During hot, dry periods, you might need to water more frequently. The best way to check is to stick your finger into the soil—if it's dry an inch down, it's time to water.

Water deeply rather than frequently. This encourages roots to grow deep into the soil, making your plants more drought-resistant. I water my broccoli 2 to 3 times per week, giving them a good soaking each time rather than a little sprinkle every day.

Try to water at the base of the plants rather than overhead. Wet leaves can promote disease problems. I use soaker hoses or drip irrigation in my broccoli beds, which delivers water right where it's needed and keeps the foliage dry.

Mulching around your broccoli plants helps retain soil moisture and keeps the roots cool. I spread 2 to 3 inches of organic mulch like straw or shredded leaves around my plants, keeping it a few inches away from the stems to prevent rot.

Grow Broccoli - Fertilizing Your Growing Broccoli

Remember how I mentioned that broccoli is a heavy feeder? This means you need to provide regular fertilization throughout the growing season. Your plants are working hard to produce those big, beautiful heads, and they need fuel to do it.

Start with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer about three weeks after transplanting. Nitrogen promotes leafy growth, which is exactly what your broccoli needs early on. You can use a balanced organic fertilizer or fish emulsion diluted according to package directions.

Continue fertilizing every 3 to 4 weeks throughout the growing season. As your plants start forming heads, you can switch to a fertilizer with less nitrogen and more phosphorus and potassium. This helps with head development.

I like to side-dress my broccoli plants with compost every few weeks. This provides a slow, steady release of nutrients and improves soil structure at the same time. Just sprinkle a handful of compost around each plant and gently work it into the soil surface.

Watch your plants for signs of nutrient deficiency. Yellow leaves can indicate nitrogen deficiency, while purple-tinged leaves might mean the plants are cold or need phosphorus. Healthy broccoli plants should have deep green leaves and sturdy stems.

Grow Broccoli - Dealing with Common Pests and Problems

Growing broccoli from seed means you'll eventually encounter some pests. The most common culprits are cabbage worms, aphids, and flea beetles. Don't let this discourage you—these problems are manageable with some attention and the right strategies.

Cabbage worms are the larvae of white butterflies you'll see fluttering around your garden. These green caterpillars can quickly defoliate your broccoli plants if left unchecked. I inspect my plants every few days and hand-pick any worms I find. You can also use row covers to keep the butterflies from laying eggs on your plants.

Aphids are tiny insects that cluster on the undersides of leaves and on growing tips. A strong spray of water from the hose usually knocks them off. For persistent problems, insecticidal soap works well and is safe for organic gardens.

Flea beetles create tiny holes in leaves, making them look like they've been hit with a shotgun. These are more of a problem in spring than fall. Row covers work great for preventing flea beetle damage, or you can use diatomaceous earth sprinkled around the base of plants.

Grow Broccoli - Harvesting Your Homegrown Broccoli

Here is one of our broccoli harvests. Broccoli is David's favorite vegetable so we grow broccoli as much as we can.

The moment you've been waiting for—harvest time! Knowing when to harvest broccoli is important because timing affects both yield and quality. You want to cut the main head when it's fully formed but before the tiny flower buds start to open. The head should be tight, firm, and deep green.

If you see any yellowing or the buds starting to separate, harvest immediately—you're at the edge of the window. Cut the main head with 5 to 6 inches of stem using a sharp knife. Make the cut at an angle to prevent water from pooling on the stem.

Here's a bonus: after you harvest the main head, don't pull up the plant! Leave it in the garden and it will produce smaller side shoots that are just as delicious. I've gotten weeks of additional harvests from the side shoots.

For spring broccoli, harvest in the morning after the dew dries but before the day heats up.

For fall broccoli, you have more flexibility, and some gardeners even harvest after a light frost.

Monday, November 10, 2025

Good morning. Well, here in Texas, we are having first winter after second summer this year. By Wednesday, we will go to third summer as the temperatures will be back up in the 80s.

Right now, it is 44° and the air feels amazing outside...

It is now 9:25am and 52°. The air is pleasant.

Currently, we have 1146 products for sale on our website. The squash and zucchini are on sale now for 20% off.

Tuesday, November 11, 2025

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Sunday, November 16, 2025

Return from Grow Broccoli to Year Seven Of Farm Life

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