Growing Broccoli in Australia: The Complete Guide
Broccoli is a moderate brassica to grow, needing full sun with consistent, deep watering.
We get asked about broccoli often enough that it's worth setting out the full picture here, beyond what fits on our printable card.
Cut the head, keep the plant
Harvesting the central head doesn't end the plant — most varieties keep producing smaller side shoots for weeks afterward, extending the harvest considerably.
How to Plant Broccoli
Method — transplant seedlings; firm soil around the base. Soil — rich, well-drained, high organic matter. Timing — plant in cooler months.
Ongoing Care
Worth paying attention to:
- Water deeply and consistently.
- Feed well early on — broccoli is a heavy feeder.
- Net against cabbage moth from planting.
- Cut side shoots regularly after the main head to keep them coming.
Common Problems
Keep these points in mind:
- Cabbage moth — caterpillars; net or hand-pick.
- Clubroot — rotate beds, keep pH up.
- Aphids — hose off or encourage ladybirds.
- Premature flowering (buttoning) — heat or transplant stress; plant at the right time.
Picking and Keeping Your Harvest
Signs — head is tight and firm, before any yellow flowers show. Method — cut the main head at an angle, leaving the plant to produce side shoots. Curing — none needed. Storage — fridge crisper, about a week.
For the condensed, printable version of everything above, head to the main broccoli guide page.