- Broccoli can tolerate a light frost, and matures best in temperatures between 65 and 80 degrees F. Plant broccoli two to three weeks ahead of the last frost to give it time to mature before the heat of summer arrives. The Ohio State University Extension suggests using broccoli seedling transplants rather than seeds, as seeds take longer to develop and may not establish.
- Plants that don't receive enough light and space grow spindly and sickly as they reach for sunshine. As cool-season, moisture-loving plants, broccoli does best with moderate or filtered sun. Give the crop four to six hours of sun every day to achieve healthy, thick growth. Choose sites with quick drainage for broccoli, which rots in standing water, and give each plant 18 to 24 inches in the row. Crowded broccoli remains small and thin.
- All plants need adequate nutrition, and weaken without it. Broccoli requires loose, quick-draining and moderately fertile soil to grow healthy, strong foliage. The Ohio State University Extension recommends mixing organic matter into the garden soil to give the plants a loose, nutritious foundation. Mix 8-16-16 fertilizer into the soil at planting, per manufacturer directions, for good starting nutrition. Revive spindly plants with organic compost and 20-20-20 fertilizer.
- Broccoli requires consistent soil moisture, particularly during head development. Water each plant with 2 inches of water a week to keep the soil moist but not muddy. Add a nitrogen fertilizer, per manufacturer directions, at mid-season to encourage vegetable production. Adding nitrogen early in the season will encourage thicker vegetative growth.
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