Natural, untreated and GMO-free seeds. Open Pollinated Heirloom Broccoli seeds
Broccoli seeds are capable of germinating in soil temperatures as low as 40°F (4°C), but warmer soil is preferable and will greatly speed development.
For spring crops, broccoli seeds can be started indoors or outdoors a few weeks before your last spring frost date. Start seedlings indoors 6 to 8 weeks before your last frost date and plant 4 to 6 week old seedlings (and have 4 or 5 leaves) outdoors, spaced 12 to 20 inches apart, in holes slightly deeper than the depth of their container. Sow seeds outdoors 2 to 3 weeks before your last frost date, or as soon as the soil can be worked in spring by sowing seeds 1/2 inch deep, 3 inches apart.
If you started seeds indoors, plant seedlings that are 4 to 6 weeks old (and have 4 or 5 leaves) outdoors, 12 to 20 inches apart, in holes slightly deeper than the depth of their container. Space broccoli rows 3 feet apart. (Closer spacing results in smaller main heads, but more side shoots.) Water well at planting time.
Fertilize broccoli three weeks after transplanting the seedlings into the garden. Use a low-nitrogen fertilizer and don’t wet developing broccoli heads when watering, as this can encourage rot. To encourage the growth of side shoots after harvesting the main head, maintain an active feeding and watering schedule.
PROTECT: The roots are very shallow, so try not to disturb the plants. Smother weeds with mulch. Mulching around plants will also help keep soil temperatures low. Use row covers to minimize pests.
Harvest broccoli in the morning, when the seeds are firm and tight, just before the heads bloom. If you notice yellow petals, harvest immediately, as the quality will deteriorate quickly. Cut the heads off the plant, taking at least 6 inches of stem. Make an oblique cut on the stem to allow water to drain. Most varieties have side shoots that will continue to grow after the main head is harvested. You can harvest side shoots for several weeks, in some cases, from spring to fall, if your summer is not too hot.
