key growing information

Mini & Sprouting Broccoli Growing Information: Sowing, Culture & Harvest

How to grow mini and sprouting broccoli: soil and moisture, starting transplants and spacing by variety, direct sowing, vernalization for late types, pests, pinching, harvest of side shoots and seed sizing.

By Hensley’s Seed Co. September 3, 2026

Mini & Sprouting Broccoli - Key Growing Information

Harvesting mini/sprouting broccoli plants.

SCIENTIFIC NAME:

Brassica oleracea, unless noted otherwise.

CULTURE:

Likes fertile, well-drained soil rich in organic matter, with a pH of 6.0–7.5, and steady moisture all season. Water regularly for the best results.

DAYS TO MATURITY:

For sprouting broccoli, counted from transplanting to the central head, with side shoots coming after. For spring raab, counted from direct sowing.

TRANSPLANTING:

Plant 2 seeds per cell in 72-cell plug flats, 3–4 seeds per inch in 20-row flats, or ¼" deep in outdoor beds. Seedlings are usually ready to transplant in 3–4 weeks. Keep the soil at 75–85°F (24–29°C) until germination if you can, then lower the air temperature to around 60°F (16°C), with good airflow and light. Use rows 18–36" apart and set plants 4–6" apart for 'Melody', 12–18" for 'Burgundy' and 'Sidekick', 12–24" for 'Bonarda', and 6–12" for everything else.

DIRECT SEEDING:

Plant ½" deep at 2–3 seeds per foot in rows 18–36" apart, then thin to the in-row spacing given for transplants.

COLD TREATMENT (VERNALIZATION):

Late-sprouting varieties need a spell at or below 50°F (10°C) before they set buds; see each variety for how long.

INSECT PESTS AND DISEASE:

Keep flea beetles off by laying floating row cover at planting time. You can also control them with insecticides such as azadirachtin or pyrethrin, and use Bacillus thuringiensis for cabbage worms. Rotation and good sanitation prevent most disease.

CROP MAINTENANCE:

With some varieties, pinching out the first head as it forms boosts side-shoot yield; see each variety for advice.

HARVEST:

Cut the central head and side shoots before the buds open. Stems 4–8" long can be bunched or sold loose. To keep plants producing, pick side shoots every 2–3 days in warm weather and every 5–7 days when it's cool.

SIZED SEEDS:

Sized seed has been graded to a uniform size, which gives more precise spacing in mechanical seeders and a more even stand. Our Broccoli seed is sized unless the product description says otherwise.

SEEDS/LB.:

From 52,900 to 142,100, averaging 104,100.

PACKET:

100 seeds per packet, enough for about 25', unless noted.