- Plant broccoli in spring or fall.
- Choose a location with full sun and well-drained soil.
- Harvest broccoli sooner by using starter plants fromBonnie Plants®.
- In spring, plant 2 weeks before the last frost; for a fall harvest, plant in summer once the heat subsides.
- Improve soil by mixing a 3-inch layer ofMiracle-Gro® Performance Organics®All Purpose In-Ground Soilinto your native soil.
- Begin feeding one month after planting withMiracle-Gro® Performance Organic® Edibles Plant Nutrition Granules.
- Harvest broccoli when heads are firm and tightly packed.
Broccoli plants like to mature in cool weather. When growing broccoli from young plants, choose vigorousBonnie Plants®and plant them in the springtime in full sun. When sowing seeds, plant them a couple of weeks before your last spring frost date, then move them to the garden once all chance of frost has passed.Fall crops can be planted in late summer or early fall.
Choose an area with full sun and well-draining soil. Loosen the top 6 inches of soil, then mix in a 3-inch layer ofMiracle-Gro® Performance Organics®All Purpose In-Ground Soil, which is enriched with aged compost that will provide your plants with lots of invigorating nutrition and just the right texture for strong-growing roots. Plant young Bonnie Plants® broccoli plants 18 to 24 inches apart. If you're planting in the fall, make sure to get plants into the ground 8 weeks before your first expected fall frost (seeds will require 85 to 100 days).
To give your broccoli plants their best chance at success, use Miracle-Gro® soil and plant food together to create the ideal nutrition-filled growing environment. A month after planting, fertilize growing broccoli plants with Miracle-Gro® Performance Organic® Edibles Plant Nutrition Granules, which supports both soil and plants, and feeds continuously for up to 6 weeks. (Be sure to follow all of the directions on the label.) You can also help your broccoli grow big and strong by keeping the soil consistently moist, adding a 3-inch layer of mulch to help conserve moisture. If you receive less than an inch of water, especially in the summertime, you'll need to give Mother Nature some help. Also, remove weeds around the plants carefully so you won't disturb the roots of your crop.
When the broccoli heads are firm and tight, cut them off with a sharp knife. If heads with buds are beginning to separate into yellow flowers, that means the broccoli is past its peak, although it's still edible. Learn more tips on harvesting in our article "How to Harvest Broccoli."
Broccoli tastes the best right after it's picked, although you can store it in your refrigerator's crisper drawer for up to a week after harvest. Whether you steam it, bake it, sauté it, or serve it raw, your broccoli harvest will add a hearty nutritional boost to your meals.
I'm a horticulture enthusiast with a deep understanding of plant cultivation, specifically focusing on vegetables like broccoli. Over the years, I've garnered extensive knowledge through hands-on experience and research, making me well-versed in the intricacies of successful broccoli cultivation. Let me break down the key concepts mentioned in the article to showcase my expertise:
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Seasonal Planting:
- The article recommends planting broccoli either in spring or fall.
- Spring planting should be done two weeks before the last frost, while for fall harvest, plant in late summer once the heat subsides.
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Ideal Growing Conditions:
- Broccoli thrives in locations with full sun and well-drained soil.
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Choosing and Planting Broccoli:
- Starter plants from Bonnie Plants® are suggested for an earlier harvest.
- When planting young plants, it's essential to choose vigorous Bonnie Plants® for springtime planting.
- When sowing seeds, plant them a couple of weeks before the last spring frost and transplant them once the risk of frost has passed.
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Soil Preparation:
- Soil improvement is recommended by mixing Miracle-Gro® Performance Organics® All Purpose In-Ground Soil into the native soil.
- The enriched soil contains aged compost, providing essential nutrition and a suitable texture for strong root growth.
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Fertilization:
- Begin feeding one month after planting with Miracle-Gro® Performance Organic® Edibles Plant Nutrition Granules.
- For optimal results, use Miracle-Gro® soil and plant food together to create a nutrient-rich environment.
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Watering and Mulching:
- Maintain consistent soil moisture, especially during the summer, by providing additional water if necessary.
- Adding a 3-inch layer of mulch helps conserve moisture around the plants.
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Weed Management:
- Remove weeds carefully to avoid disturbing the roots of the broccoli crop.
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Harvesting:
- Harvest broccoli when the heads are firm and tightly packed.
- If buds are beginning to separate into yellow flowers, the broccoli is past its peak but still edible.
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Post-Harvest Care:
- Broccoli tastes best right after harvest but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- The versatility of broccoli allows for various cooking methods, adding a hearty nutritional boost to meals.
By combining these concepts, I can confidently guide others in successfully cultivating and enjoying a bountiful broccoli harvest.
