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Growing Broccoli - How to Grow Broccoli

Broccoli

The supermarkets have helped to confuse the issue of what is broccoli and what a calabrese by calling both by either name. The simple thing to keep in mind is that broccoli is an over wintered crop but calabrese produces its crop the same year before winter. Even the seed suppliers blur the lines though!

Both are brassicas and the general brassica growing instructions apply. Like most of the brassicas they are affected by clubroot and, if this is a problem on your vegetable plot, you should read the coping with clubroot article.

The best known over-wintering sprouting broccolis are Purple Sprouting and White Sprouting, with early varieties being ready first.

Cultivating Broccoli

The average seed packet contains enough for 200 plants and the average family would probably need 2 or 3 plants but the seeds will store for up to 4 years. Perhaps one to share or swap!

Generally sown in spring, being planted out in early summer for a crop in the following February/March through to May.

Because they are standing through the winter, a sheltered site is best and earthing up around the stems to 10cm will help keep the plant stable and prevent wind rock. Don't forget to keep them netted, pigeons will go for the young plants and in winter when their food is scarce they can decimate your plants.

Broccoli is a slow growing crop and not exceptionally hungry but improved results can be achieved by giving a liquid feed, high in nitrogen in the spring as the heads begin to form.

Harvesting & Cooking Broccoli

The spears are removed from the plants and turn green on cooking. They should be freshly picked for best flavour. Steaming tends to retain the flavour and texture better than boiling, by the way.

Broccoli Prevents Cancer

There have been a number of studies that suggest broccoli can help protect you from cancer. Broccoli contains a chemical called sulphoraphane which helps neutralise cancer-causing substances found in the gut and can help against colon cancer - one of the biggest cancer killers in the UK

Broccoli also contains a compound called I3C that helps boost production of BRCA proteins. These are helpful against some forms of cancer including breast, ovarian and prostrate cancers.

Recommended Varieties of Broccoli to Grow

Sprouting Broccoli Claret F1 is exceptional. It has a vigorous habit so you need less plants to produce the same yield as normal types. Performs well even on poorer soils. RHS 'Award of Garden Merit' winner. Available from Suttons

For later in the year, try Purple Sprouting Bordeaux F1. An outstanding introduction allowing an abundance of quality purple spears to be picked from early summer right through to late autumn. Bordeaux requires no cold stimulus to produce its traditional tasting spears. RHS 'Award of Garden Merit' winner. Available from Thompson & Morgan

You could also try Nine Star Perennial - Hardy, over-wintering Broccoli. Provided all of the variable sized creamy heads are cut each spring then you will enjoy this crop for 2-3 years. Very vigorous so allow at least 90cm (36in) spacing between plants. Available from Thompson & Morgan

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