Broccoli Growing Guide - Seeds In A Cup®

History of Broccoli

Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) evolved in the Mediterranean from wild cabbage, with cultivation traced to the Roman Empire around 100 CE. It gained prominence in Italy by the 16th century, spreading to Northern Europe and North America in the 18th and 19th centuries, respectively, as a nutritious vegetable.

Growing Broccoli from Seed

Materials Needed: Broccoli seeds, potting mix, 4-inch pots, watering can.
Germination Info: 5-10 days at 65-75°F (18-24°C), no stratification, 90% success rate.

Harvest Seeds: Use fresh broccoli seeds.
Prepare: Fill pots with moist potting mix.
Plant Seeds: Sow ½ inch deep, 2-3 seeds per pot.
Provide Conditions: Keep cool (65-75°F), moist, in full sun.
Monitor Growth: Sprouts in 5-10 days; thin to one at 2 inches.
Transplant: Move to garden after 4-6 weeks, spacing 18 inches apart.

Suggestions: Start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost; harvest side shoots after main head.

Container Gardening Tips

Broccoli can grow in large containers with Seeds In A Cup® kits.

Container Size: 15-20 gallon pots with drainage.
Soil Mix: Rich mix with compost (2:1).
Location: Full sun (6-8 hours).
Watering: Every 2-3 days, keep moist.
Pruning: Remove yellow leaves.

In-Ground Gardening

Space Needed: 18-24 inches apart, rows 3 ft apart.
Soil Types: Well-drained loam; test with jar method.
Watering: 1-2 inches weekly.
Sun Requirements: Full sun (6-8 hours).

Plant Profile Chart

Common Name	Botanical Name	Family	Plant Type	Size	Sun Exposure	Soil Type	Soil pH	Bloom Time	Hardiness Zone	Native Area	Toxicity
Broccoli	Brassica oleracea var. italica	Brassicaceae	Annual Vegetable	2-3 ft tall	Full Sun	Loamy	6.0-7.0	Spring/Fall	3-10 (annual)	Mediterranean	Non-Toxic

Diseases and Pests

Diseases: - Clubroot (Plasmodiophora brassicae): Root swelling.
Pests: - Cabbage Worms (Pieris rapae): Leaf damage.
Prevention: Rotate crops, use row covers.
Remedies: Apply lime, use Bt for worms.