Broccoli Brassica oleracea var. italica
Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) is an annual vegetable in the Brassicaceae family. It grows 50–80 cm (20–31 in) tall and 50–70 cm (20–28 in) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -3 °C (27 °F). Space plants about 50 cm (20 in) apart.
Plan Broccoli in your garden →
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Broccoli at a glance
| Type | Annual vegetable |
|---|---|
| Family | Brassicaceae |
| Mature height | 50–80 cm (20–31 in) |
| Mature spread | 50–70 cm (20–28 in) |
| Spacing | 50 cm (20 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Cold hardiness | About -3 °C (27 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 25 °C (77 °F) |
| Flowering | about 10–14 weeks after planting, for 2–4 weeks |
| Days to maturity | About 90 days from planting |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Low |
| Edible | Yes: flower heads, stems, leaves |
| Common in gardens of | 🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇨🇳 China, 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇷🇺 Russia, 🇫🇷 France, 🇳🇴 Norway, 🇿🇦 South Africa, 🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇵🇪 Peru, 🇲🇽 Mexico, 🇦🇺 Australia |
Is Broccoli toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Broccoli is non-toxic to people and pets.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Broccoli
Good neighbours
- good With Rhubarb: Traditional lore says rhubarb planted near brassicas helps against clubroot and pests; the evidence is weak and not confirmed by trials. Evidence D
- good With Nasturtium: Nasturtiums act as a trap crop for cabbage white butterflies and blackfly, drawing some pressure away from brassicas. Evidence C
Shared pests and diseases
- Clubroot: Clubroot spores persist in soil up to 20 years; keep brassicas in a rotation. Evidence B
Questions about Broccoli
- How far apart should I plant Broccoli?
- About 50 cm (20 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 50–70 cm (20–28 in).
- Does Broccoli need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Broccoli need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Broccoli?
- It tolerates about -3 °C (27 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9. As an annual it is usually planted out after the last frost.
- When does Broccoli flower?
- About 10–14 weeks after planting, for 2–4 weeks.
- Is Broccoli poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Broccoli is non-toxic to people and pets.
- What grows well with Broccoli?
- Traditional lore says rhubarb planted near brassicas helps against clubroot and pests; the evidence is weak and not confirmed by trials. Nasturtiums act as a trap crop for cabbage white butterflies and blackfly, drawing some pressure away from brassicas.
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
- FAO Irrigation and Drainage Paper 56 — Crop Evapotranspiration, FAO
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- University extension gardening guides (general), Various land-grant university extensions
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-cultivar values; varieties differ.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Cauliflower Brassica oleracea var. botrytis
- Cabbage Brassica oleracea var. capitata
- Kale Brassica oleracea var. sabellica
- Radish Raphanus sativus
- Bok choy Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis
- Brussels sprout Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera
- Kohlrabi Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes
- Collard greens Brassica oleracea var. viridis