Vegetable · Brassicaceae family
broccoli
Brassica oleracea var. italica
In short a 10-second read
Broccoli (vegetable) grows to 0.3–1.2 m tall and 0.3–0.6 m wide when mature. It grows best in full sun, in average to moist soil. Sow in February–June. Plant out in May–July. Harvest in May–November.
× spread 0.3–0.6 m
Where to plant
Sun and soil.
It grows best in full sun, in average to moist soil.
Sun
Elsewhere it will grow less well.
Soil and water
average to moist · watering: moderate
Soil: loamy, humus-rich, clay, sandy
Soil pH 5.5–7.5
How much space it takes
Mature size.
The mature plant next to a person (175 cm).
Next to a person
The final size depends on the cultivar and the spot — we give the range from smallest to largest.
Calendar
What to do and when.
Months for Central Europe. The line shows the current month.
The year at a glance
Pruning
harvest regularly (as needed)
Sowing
sow indoors: February–June
Planting out
transplant outdoors: May–July
Harvest
May–November
Winter protection
does not overwinter
Frequently asked
Quick answers.
When do I sow broccoli?
In February–June (sow indoors).
When is broccoli harvested?
In May–November.
Does broccoli tolerate shade?
No, it needs full sun.
How much space does broccoli need?
At maturity 0.3–0.6 m wide and 0.3–1.2 m tall; recommended spacing 60 cm.
Where the data comes from
The data is indicative — we are still comparing it with further sources. Last checked 2 September 2026.
Show sources (4)
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
- RHS — How to grow broccoli
- Wikidata (CC0) — Brassica oleracea var. italica
- Invasive plant lists — this species is not on them: EU
