How to Grow Broccoli in Florida
Broccoli is a fall-and-winter crop in Florida. Get the timing right and you'll cut a main head, then side shoots for weeks.
Broccoli is a cool-season brassica; transplant in fall through winter. Plant too late and the heat makes it bolt before it heads, so timing is everything.
When to plant in Florida
| Region | Transplant |
|---|---|
| North Florida | Sep-Jan |
| Central Florida | Oct-Jan |
| South Florida | Oct-Dec |
Varieties
- 'Di Cicco' — productive small heads then lots of side shoots.
- 'Waltham 29' — cold-tolerant, heavy side shoots.
- 'Green Magic' — reliable, more heat-tolerant hybrid.
How to grow it
- Full sun, rich soil, steady water and regular feeding for big heads.
- Cut the central head while the buds are tight, then leave the plant in, it produces smaller side shoots for weeks.
Pests & problems
Cabbage loopers, imported cabbageworms and webworms are the main pests; aphids too. Bt handles the caterpillars and row cover keeps moths off; scout the head and leaf undersides.
Source: UF/IFAS Florida Vegetable Gardening Guide (SP 103).
When to plant in your region
Pick your region to see the planting months for broccoli where you garden.
See also: Broccoli in the plant library →
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