broccoli

Plant Height   

Up to 60cm/2ft

Time between sowing and harvesting   

About 12 weeks

Where to Sow   

Outdoors in a seed bed

Sowing time   

Late April to May  - temperature   +12C/54F. 

How to Sow   

12mm/1/2" deep - very thinly - in rows 15cm/6" apart or in groups/ blocks

After Germination  

Start thinning plants as soon as they can be easily handled to prevent them becoming weak and spindly. Finally thin to 7.5cm/3" apart. 

Growing on -  in Pots   

Once the plants are 7.3cm/3" tall,  pot up individual plants into 20cm/8" containers (min) about 2.5cm/1" deeper than they were growing in the seed bed.

Growing on- in ground   

Once the plants are 7.3cm/3" tall, transplant to final growing positions planting them firmly about 2.5cm/1" deeper than they were growing in the seed bed and spacing the plants 30cm/12" apart in rows or in blocks.

Aftercare   

Water in dry weather and feed occasionally with liquid fertiliser. Pull  surround earth up around the base of each plant during the growing season. May need staking in the autumn.

Harvesting   

Cut the central spears once they are well formed but before the flower buds start to open. Side shoots will appear and these should be harvested regularly without completely striping the plant. Do not allow any of the flowers to open to ensure continuous cropping over a period of about 8 weeks.