Broccoli: The Cool-Season Crop That Tastes Better Homegrown
Broccoli matures in 60–80 days and produces a main head plus side shoots. Homegrown broccoli is sweeter and more tender than store-bought.
Broccoli is a cool-season crop. It’s also a heavy feeder — it needs rich soil.
Quick Facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Days to sprout | 7-10 |
| Days to harvest | 60-80 |
| Sun | 6 hours |
| Spacing | 18 inches |
| Head size | 4-6 inches |
| Flavor | Sweet, mild |
Why Grow It
- Side shoots. After main head, produces smaller side heads for weeks.
- Better flavor. Sweeter and more tender than store-bought.
- Nutrient-dense. High in vitamins C and K.
- Cool-season. Thrives in spring and fall.
How It Fails
Failure 1: Buttoning. Small heads form early. Caused by cold stress or root disturbance. Failure 2: Yellow heads. Too much sun or heat. Failure 3: Cabbage worms. Green caterpillars. Row covers prevent.
Comparison
| Variety | Days | Head Size | Best Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calabrese | 60-70 | 5-6 in | Spring/fall |
| Waltham | 70-80 | 6-8 in | Fall |
| Purple | 65-75 | 5-6 in | Fall |
| Broccolini | 50-60 | Small | Spring/fall |
Common Questions
Why is my broccoli flowering? Bolting. Too warm. Harvest immediately.
How do I harvest? Cut main head at 4-6 inches, before flowers open.
Do side shoots come back? Yes. Cut and they produce more.
Can I grow it in summer? No. Too hot. Grow in spring or fall.
Do I need to fertilize? Yes. Heavy feeder. Compost + balanced fertilizer.
How do I prevent cabbage worms? Row covers. Or hand-pick caterpillars.