Year of the Broccoli

• Overview and History
• Basic Types of Broccoli
• Popular Broccoli Variety/Series
• How to Grow Broccoli
• How to Harvest Broccoli
• Broccoli Cooking Tips
• Where to Buy Broccoli Seeds and Plants

Overview and History

Broccoli hails from the Mediterranean region and has been enjoyed there since Roman times. Other European regions eventually caught on and broccoli was popularized in France as “Italian Asparagus” in about 1650. The English adopted it about 70 years later.

We have been broccoli fans across the US since the 1920s when ice-packed broccoli heads rode the rails from California to the eastern US. In 2011, the United States produced more than 2 billion pounds with a value of over $750 million on more than 130,000 acres.

Broccoli is good for you! It is high in antioxidants, amino acids, folate, and vitamin C. This edible is also an immunity booster thanks to its zinc and vitamin content.

Basic Types

Broccoli, Brassica oleracea, of the mustard family (Brassicaceae), is a form of cabbage grown for its edible flower buds and stalk. All parts of the plant are edible. It is related to cauliflower, cabbage, pak choy, kohlrabi, and turnip. These veggies may look very different but close your eyes and think about how similar they taste.

• Broccoli Raab has long slender stems with small heads and lots of leaves. Raab is likely to be what the Romans and early Europeans thought of as broccoli.
• Heading broccoli with its large crowns and sturdy stalks is what is grown most widely today. You can find it in green or purple. Americans eat 7 pounds each per year!
• Baby broccoli (sometimes called stem or sprouting) has gained popularity in recent years. This type has small heads and long, tender stems.

Variety/Series Names Include

• Spring Rapini Broccoli Raab- is an heirloom option. When planted in early spring growers harvest tender, flavorful heads and leaves. Broccoli Raab has a unique flavor, stronger than other types.
• Marathon– is a heading type widely adapted to most growing regions.
• Green Magic- is popular with home gardeners for yield, early maturity, and an easy-to-grow plant.
• Artwork– this AAS winner is a baby broccoli, grown for its long stems and petite heads.

How To Grow

• • Broccoli prefers cooler seasons like early spring and fall in most regions.
  • Choose a growing area that has not held broccoli or cabbage (or other close relatives) in the past year or two if possible. This will decrease the buildup of insect and disease pests in that area.
  • Broccoli likes good drainage and air circulation.
  • Full sun is nice but partial shade will work.
  • Six plants in a 4 x 6-foot area will be very happy.
  • Broccoli prefers soil high in nitrogen so work in a balanced fertilizer or some compost while planting.
  • Many gardeners plant transplants they purchased. When shopping for transplants, look for healthy but small plants that have not outgrown their pots; they will transplant better and grow more quickly than their root-bound neighbors.
  • If starting from seed, start seeds about 4-6 weeks before planting. Seed should be started indoors about 6 weeks before the last frost date in the spring. Check your seed catalog or seed packet, or with a local extension office, for more information on the best time to plant. For a fall crop, start seeds indoors in August or September.
  • Spread mulch around the plants to hold soil moisture in and prevent weeds.
  • Container-grown plants should be planted in a large container-at least 2 gallons with one plant per pot. Water well and regularly.
  • Remove any worms or aphids you find on the plant with a strong stream of water or pick them off.

How To Harvest

• Remove central heads first when they reach the desired size, are a deep green, and are firm with tightly clustered florets.
• Harvest in the morning, before hot midday temperatures arrive.
• Homegrown broccoli heads may be smaller than what you find in the market.
• Use a sharp knife when harvesting, just above where the stalk joins the leaves with approximately 5 inches of stem.
• Once the primary head is harvested, your plant will send side shoots out and supply smaller broccoli heads for as long as cool weather holds.
• Harvest often to prevent bolting.
• Once a plant sets yellow flowers, it is finished for the year.

Cooking Tips

• Sauté chopped broccoli and shallot with butter, add cubed baby potatoes and your favorite broth, and simmer until soft.
• Broccoli stems and leaves are yummy too! Make your own broccoli slaw mix by peeling and grating larger stems.
• Baby broccoli is a fun pizza topping, best paired with a slightly sweet tomato sauce and lots of garlic.
• If you have an abundance of broccoli, it freezes well and makes a lovely soup!

Learn more about the Year of the Broccoli…

• Luscious Lettuce, Crisp Kale: What to Grow for a Flavorful Fall Veggie Garden by National Garden Bureau

• Autumn Is for Planting: Seed Starting for a Fall Garden by National Garden Bureau

• Year of the Brassica by National Garden Bureau

Purchase your Year of the Broccoli seeds and plants at your local garden retailer or one of the NGB online retailers.

The National Garden Bureau recognizes and thanks Sakata Seed America, an NGB member, as the author and contributor to this fact sheet. 

This fact sheet is provided as an educational service of the National Garden Bureau. There are no limitations on the use. Please credit National Garden Bureau, and link to this page, when using all or parts of this article or referencing the Year of the program.

Please consider our NGB member companies as authoritative sources for information. See the NGB Member Directory for details about our members. Shop Our Members for seed and plant sources.