How to grow broccoli

Broccoli needs cool weather to form tight heads. Set out transplants in early spring or late summer, and harvest before the buds open.

Reviewed October 2026

Start indoors

5–7 weeks before planting out

Plant outside

2–4 weeks before last spring frost

Fall planting

About 8–10 weeks before first fall frost

Days to harvest

50–70 from transplants

When to plant

Broccoli is grown from transplants in most gardens. Start seeds indoors 5 to 7 weeks ahead and set plants out 2 to 4 weeks before your last spring frost, so heads form before summer heat. For a fall crop, which is often better, set out transplants about 8 to 10 weeks before your first fall frost. The planting planner shows your frost dates, and our seed-starting guide covers starting transplants.

Spacing

Space plants 12 to 18 inches apart in rows about 2 feet apart. Crowded plants make smaller heads.

Care

Broccoli is a heavy feeder: work compost into the bed and keep the soil evenly moist. Hot spells make heads loose and quick to flower, so fall plantings that mature in cool weather usually give the best heads. Watch for green caterpillars on the leaves; handpicking or a row cover keeps them off.

Harvesting

Cut the main head with a few inches of stem when the buds are tight and dark green, before any yellow flowers open. Leave the plant in place: it will send out smaller side shoots that you can keep cutting for weeks.

Planting dates in Florida