Broccolini (tenderstem broccoli) gives you long, sweet, tender stems and small florets over a long picking window — more forgiving and productive than a big-headed broccoli, and ideal for a raised bed.
Quick facts
- Position: full sun
- Spacing: 30–40 cm apart
- Tub depth: our 35 cm depth
- Time to harvest: 9–12 weeks
When to plant: Broccolini is a cool-season brassica — plant from late summer through autumn and winter. Our free planting calendar shows the right months for your postcode.
Growing it in a raised bed: Plant into rich, firm mix and net the bed against cabbage whites. Cut the central stem and it keeps throwing tender side shoots for weeks — the more you pick, the more it gives.
Watering and feeding: Water deeply and evenly and feed well for a long, productive crop.
Common pests: keep an eye out for caterpillars, aphids and whiteflies. Most are easily managed — see our safe pest guide.
Common diseases: the main one is downy mildew and leaf spot, usually from damp, crowded conditions. Good airflow and morning watering prevent most.
Companion plants: Aromatic herbs and beetroot are good neighbours; keep brassicas away from strawberries. See our companion planting guide.
Harvest and storage: Snip the stems while the buds are still tight, leaving the plant to send up more. Use the whole tender stem — no peeling needed.
More growing guides: broccoli, gai lan and kale.
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: Andy Li, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons.
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