GardenHow to grow broccoli
ब्रोकली. When to sow it in each part of India, how deep, how far apart, what size of pot, and what to watch for.
When to sow
North and central plainsAugust to October
South and coastal IndiaAugust to November
HillsMarch to May, July and August
Green months are the usual sowing or planting time. Dates shift by a few weeks from place to place.
How to sow and grow
- Method
- Raise seedlings in a tray or small pot and move them when they have 4 to 6 leaves, after about 4 to 5 weeks.
- Depth
- 0.5 cm
- Spacing
- 45 cm
- In a pot
- One plant in a pot 30 cm wide and deep
- Sprouts in
- 4 to 8 days
- Harvest
- 60 to 90 days after transplanting
- Sun
- Full sun: at least 6 hours a day
Tips from the garden
- Cut the main head while the buds are tight and dark green, before any yellow flower shows.
- Do not pull the plant out after the first harvest. Smaller side heads keep coming for a month or more.
- Broccoli needs cool weather. Warm spells make it flower early, so sow on time.
What can go wrong
The same caterpillars that eat cabbage eat broccoli. Hand-pick them, and check inside the head before cooking.
Sown around the same time
New to growing from seed? Read how to sow seeds and the balcony and terrace garden guide.
Questions people ask
When is broccoli sown in north India?
In the plains of north and central India, the usual sowing or planting months for broccoli are August to October.
How long does broccoli take to grow?
Usually 60 to 90 days after transplanting.
Can broccoli be grown in a pot?
Yes. One plant in a pot 30 cm wide and deep.