Growing broccoli in Florida is probably easier than you think. A cool-weather crop disliking extreme heat or cold, the conditions must be right to grow broccoli successfully.
Broccoli comes from the Cruciferous family, just like kale, cabbage, cauliflower, kohlrabi, and Brussels sprouts. Not only are the buds edible, but the leaves are too!
Broccoli | Brassica oleracea |
Season (FL) | Fall, Winter |
Soil type | Amend with organic material |
Light | 4-6 hours |
Water | 1.5 inches/week |
Mature plant size | 18” |
Harvest in | 80-100 days |
Growing broccoli in Florida
Can you grow broccoli in Florida? Absolutely. Broccoli is a cool weather crop, so for optimal results, plan for planting at the end of August and into September.
Best broccoli varieties for Florida
- ‘Waltham 29’
- ‘Early Green’
- ‘Early Dividend’
- ‘Green Sprouting’/’Calabrese’
- ‘Packman’
- ‘De Cicco’
When to plant broccoli in Florida
The ideal temperature range for growing broccoli is 65 to 80°F. Warm weather will cause it to bolt, so the earlier in the season you plant, the better. In Florida this means you should plant your broccoli accordingly:
South Florida: September through January
North and Central Florida: mid-August through mid-March
What you’ll need
Broccoli transplants are often available at local nurseries, garden centers, or farmers markets. Another option is to buy quality seeds online.
Mulch will also be helpful to the success of your broccoli crop.
How to plant broccoli
Plant your broccoli seeds a half inch deep into the soil.
Mulch around the plants to retain moisture and suppress weed growth.
Growing broccoli in containers
Broccoli seeds can be directly planted in containers and grown in a sunny location.
Make sure containers are at least 18” wide or plants won’t be able to grow to their full potential.
Caring for your broccoli plants
Broccoli tolerates cold weather, but below 32° is risky. If local temperatures occasionally dip into freezing, plan for protection – especially with seedlings or young plants.
Water heavily, once per week.
Keep cutting heads before they bloom – once the plant seeds, it’s done.
When to harvest broccoli
Broccoli is usually ready to harvest 80 to 100 days after planting. My recommendation is to cut the first head off before it blooms. Side shoots will then grow new heads.
Suggested recipes for broccoli
My favorite is to keep it simple. Steam your broccoli so it’s soft, add butter and salt. Yum!
Sources
https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/edibles/vegetables/broccoli.htmlhttps://bonnieplants.com/blogs/how-to-grow/growing-broccoli