When to Plant Broccoli?

When to Plant Broccoli? The Secret to a Successful Harvest

Broccoli isn't just healthy, it's also fun to grow yourself. Whether you're a novice gardener with a few pots on your balcony or a true vegetable gardener with a green thumb, broccoli is a perfect vegetable to experiment with. But the big question is, of course: when is the best time to plant broccoli?

The right time to plant broccoli in open ground

Broccoli loves cool weather. It's best to plant broccoli from late March to early May, once the risk of night frost has largely passed. However, some varieties can tolerate a bit more cold, and you can even start them a bit earlier.

Choose a day that's neither too sunny nor too dry—a cloudy day or a day after rain is ideal. This will prevent the young plants from withering or burning. You can also plant a second round of broccoli in the fall, around late July to mid-August, so you'll have a harvest in the autumn.

When to sow broccoli or plant it in a greenhouse?

Don't feel like waiting until April or May to plant your first broccoli? Then a greenhouse or conservatory is ideal. Start sowing seeds indoors in small pots starting in February. Use a light, nutrient-rich potting soil and ensure the seedlings get plenty of light.

Once the seedlings have 4 or 5 leaves and the frost has passed, you can transplant them to the greenhouse. This should be done around mid-March. You can transplant them a little earlier in the greenhouse, but always ensure adequate ventilation—broccoli doesn't like too much heat.

Be sure to leave plenty of space between the plants: 40 to 50 cm between each plant isn't excessive. Broccoli grows large with a wide collar and needs room to breathe.

Location and soil: where does broccoli feel at home?

Broccoli prefers a sunny to partially shaded spot and humus-rich, well-drained soil. Choose a spot where there hasn't been too much rain in the preceding weeks, but also ensure you can easily water it if the weather is too dry.

It's a good idea to enrich your soil with compost or organic fertilizer to ensure the plant receives sufficient nutrients. Consider adding perlite to your soil, which aids drainage. Read more about what perlite actually does .

What types of broccoli are there?

There are several varieties of broccoli you can plant, each with its own growing season and flavor. The most popular is Calabrese, which forms a large green head and grows quickly. This is a favorite for spring.

Want to harvest later in the year? Then it's best to choose hardy varieties like Purple Sprouting, which can even survive a light frost and will treat you to small, purple roses in the spring after the winter. For these varieties, it's best to plant them in late summer.

Other great options include plants you can easily grow from seed with a grow kit. For example, discover our collection of handy grow kits , perfect for those who want to learn gardening step by step.

Tips for caring for broccoli after planting

Broccoli is a thirsty plant that likes to be watered regularly—but don't overdo it. Water at the base of the plant, not over the top, as this can cause mold. Watering is especially important during head formation.

Protect your broccoli from common pests like caterpillars and snails. You can do this with netting or by planting plants around it that keep insects at bay. Want to learn more about natural protection? Our Jungle Mist spray is suitable for houseplants, but also very useful for young seedlings indoors.

If you'd like to focus on easy-to-grow indoor plants while your broccoli does its thing outdoors, be sure to check out our easy houseplants for beginners . This way, you'll get the best of both worlds.

Harvesting Broccoli: How Do You Know When It's Time?

Most broccoli plants are ready to harvest about 8 to 14 weeks after planting, depending on the variety. Harvest the main head when it feels firm and the florets are still tightly closed. If you wait too long, yellow florets will start to appear and the broccoli will be less tasty.

Cut off the main head neatly and leave the plant alone for a while. You'll often get small side roses within a few weeks, giving you a second free harvest!

Combining broccoli with other plants?

Broccoli thrives alongside plants like onions and celery, which help keep unwanted pests at bay. However, avoid planting broccoli in the same spot every year, as this will reduce yields. Alternate with other vegetables, or give it some rest.

Curious about the right time to plant potatoes or cauliflower ? We've created handy guides for that too, packed with passion and clear tips.

The finishing touch: smart gardening

Want to complete your garden? Dress your outdoor space with evergreens for the winter, or use a gift certificate for advice in our store in Leuven. Sometimes simple steps like a good pot or enriched soil can be the difference between "meh" and "wow."

And don't forget: you can also bring ambiance and greenery indoors. Check out our Ficus Lyrata for that tropical touch after a day in the garden. Or add an easy-care green hero like the ZZ plant , for anyone who's survived a broccoli.

Summary

If you want to plant broccoli, the best months are late March to early May. In a greenhouse, you can sow it a bit earlier, starting in February. Plant preferably on cloudy days and in well-drained, fertile soil. Don't forget to enjoy the process and experiment with combinations. Green thumbs start small—and broccoli is an excellent start.