Broccoli is a satisfying cool-season crop, and side-shooting types keep giving small heads for weeks after the main one. A raised bed makes it easy to net against cabbage whites.
Quick facts
- Position: full sun
- Spacing: 40–50 cm apart
- Tub depth: our 35 cm depth
- Time to harvest: 10–16 weeks
When to plant: Broccoli is a cool-season crop — plant from late summer through autumn and winter. Heat makes it bolt to flower early. Our free planting calendar shows the right months for your postcode.
Growing them in a raised bed: Plant into rich, firm mix. The big enemy is the cabbage-white caterpillar, so cover the bed with insect netting from day one — far easier than picking grubs later.
Watering and feeding: Water deeply and evenly, and feed well for good heads; Dynamic Lifter is ideal. Keep water off the leaves.
Common pests: keep an eye out for caterpillars, aphids and whiteflies. Most are easily managed — see our safe pest guide.
Common diseases: the main ones are downy mildew and damping-off. Good airflow, morning watering and steady moisture prevent most.
Companion plants: Aromatic herbs and beetroot are good neighbours; keep broccoli away from tomatoes and strawberries. See our companion planting guide.
Harvest and storage: Cut the main head while the buds are still tight and green, before any yellow flowers open. Leave the plant in and it'll push out smaller side shoots for weeks.
Plan your patch: our free planting calendar shows what to plant now where you live. Ready to grow? Browse our raised garden beds or build your own with the garden bed builder.
Image: Yercaud-elango, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
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