Fertilize broccoli three weeks after transplanting seedlings into the garden. Use a low-nitrogen fertilizer, such as a 5-10-10 formula. Thin when young plants reach 2 to 3 inches tall. Plants should be between 12 and 20 inches apart.
How close together can I plant broccoli?
Generally, broccoli plants should be 18 inches apart. If planted in rows, space rows 24 inches apart to give yourself enough room to walk between them, but you can plant two or three abreast in a row to minimize aisle space.
How wide does broccoli spread?
Broccoli plants can have a spread of up to three feet across, according to Cornell University’s Growing Guide. To keep your plant from being too top heavy and potentially tipping over its pot, you’ll want to choose a container that’s at least 18 inches, if not 24 inches, in diameter.
How much space does broccoli need in a raised bed?
If you’re gardening in a raised bed, space your plants 15 to 18 inches apart; for gardening in rows, set the transplants 18 to 24 inches apart within the row and space the rows 24 to 36 inches apart. Be sure to set transplants slightly deeper in the ground than they were in the pot.
What happens when you plant broccoli too close together?
Since the plants won’t have room to spread out fully, you can expect to see smaller broccoli heads. The plants are also likely to produce smaller or fewer side shoots after the main head is harvested. Growing your plants close together can also put them at greater risk for disease or for pest problems.
What can you not plant near broccoli?
Plants to Avoid Growing With Broccoli
- Nightshades. Tomatoes, eggplants, and peppers seem to have an adverse effect on broccoli in most cases, but this may not always be true in your garden.
- Cabbage and cauliflower.
- Strawberries.
- Beans.
How many broccoli plants can I plant in a 5 gallon bucket?
Broccoli is perfectly happy to be grown in pots. It does get a very wide spread, however, so plant only one per 5-gallon (19 L.) container. You can fit two to three plants in a 15-gallon (57 L.)
Will broccoli grow back after cutting?
Harvest the main broccoli head when it stops growing. You’ll know broccoli heads are ready when they’re deep green with small, tightly packed buds. Harvest broccoli right away if it starts to flower or turn yellow. Side shoots will continue growing after the main head is harvested.
How many heads of broccoli do you get from one plant?
How Many Heads of Broccoli Do You Get From One Plant? It will yield one large head per plant. Once harvested, it will produce several smaller side flower heads over the next few weeks.
What is the trick to growing broccoli?
7 Tips for Growing Outstanding Broccoli
- Try Different Types of Broccoli.
- Reduce Stressors.
- Plant in Rich, Tight Soil.
- Protect Transplants with Cloches or Covers.
- Feed and Water.
- Protect Plants in Hot Summers.
- Harvest Promptly.
What month do you plant broccoli?
Planting. For spring-planted broccoli, start seeds indoors in early to mid-April. For the fall crop, you can start seeds indoors or out, in early to late July. Whether you plant in spring or summer, a row cover will shield the plants from wind and insects during the first weeks of growth.
How many broccoli plants should I plant?
Broccoli. Grow 2 to 4 plants per person. Yield 4 to 6 pounds per 10-foot row. Space plants 18 to 24 inches apart in rows 3 feet apart.
Can you overcrowd a garden?
Mostly, an overcrowded garden will not thrive, as the plants will compete for water, nutrients, and space. However, there are some situations in which overcrowding, or more eloquently put, intensive planting, is a good idea.
Can you overcrowd a planter?
Over-potting a plant — potting it in a pot that is too large — can lead to root rot from over watering. And aesthetically, the size of the plant needs to be in pleasing proportion to the size of the pot. In other words, a relatively small plant looks out of place in a relatively large pot.
Why is my broccoli not forming a head?
Cool Temperatures
The ideal temperature for growing broccoli is between 60° and 75°F. Temps below 30° and above 75°F may spell disaster in the form of frost and heatwaves that cause stress on developing plants, and may result in the failure to form heads.
What should I plant between broccoli?
The Best Companion Plants for Broccoli
- Beets. Here’s the reason that beets and broccoli make a perfect pair: the brassica slurps calcium from the soil like it can never get enough, while beets (Beta vulgaris) don’t need nearly as much.
- Celery.
- Chamomile.
- Lettuce.
- Potatoes.
- Rhubarb.
- Rosemary.
- Shallots.
Can I plant broccoli next to tomatoes?
Specific Plants to Avoid
In particular, broccoli does not respond well when planted with members of the nightshade family, such as tomatoes, eggplant and peppers, particularly hot peppers. In some situations, broccoli is able to withstand being planted near tomatoes.
Do marigolds help broccoli?
Broccoli enjoys the company of beans and cucumbers as well. Beets, as well as nasturtiums and marigolds make great companions since they do not require the large amount of calcium that broccoli craves.
Can you grow broccoli in a raised bed?
Broccoli is an ideal plant for raised bed gardens. It thrives in consistently moist, rich soil, doesn’t require any special care or attention and is very productive. Broccoli is a cool weather crop. For best results, the plants should reach maturity either before or after hot weather sets in.
Should you stake broccoli plants?
As a general rule, no, broccoli does not need to be staked.
Does broccoli have deep roots?
Broccoli is considered a shallow-rooted vegetable, and it is categorized with other plants that have roots which extend 12 to 36 inches into the soil. Broccoli roots specifically, typically extend only 12 to 18 inches deep.