Sweet Bunch (F1) Broccoli Seed

Scientific name

Brassica oleracea

Soil and water

Sprouting broccoli wants fertile, well-drained soil rich in organic matter at pH 6.0–7.5, with steady moisture all season. Regular irrigation gives the best results.

Days to maturity

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

Transplanting

Sow 1/4" deep: 2 seeds per cell in 72-cell trays, 3–4 seeds per inch in open flats, or in an outdoor seedbed. Plants are ready to set out in 3–4 weeks. Keep the soil at 75–85°F (24–29°C) until the seed sprouts if you can, then drop the air temperature to about 60°F (16°C), with good light and airflow. Rows go 18–36" apart. In the row, space Melody 4–6", Burgundy and Sidekick 12–18", Bonarda 12–24" and all others 6–12".

Direct sowing

Sow 2–3 seeds per foot, 1/2" deep, in rows 18–36" apart, and thin to the in-row spacing above.

Cold period (vernalization)

Late-sprouting varieties will only form buds after a spell at or below 50°F (10°C). How long they need is given in each variety description.

Pests and disease

Lay row cover at planting to keep flea beetles off; azadirachtin or pyrethrin can be used if they get through. Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) controls cabbage worms. Rotation and clean fields keep disease down.

Pinching

With some varieties, removing the first head as soon as it appears leads to more side shoots. Check each variety description.

Harvest

Cut the central head and side shoots while the buds are still tight. Stems 4–8" long can be bunched or sold loose. Pick side shoots every 2–3 days in warm weather and every 5–7 days in cool weather so the plants keep producing.

Sized seed

Broccoli seed is graded to a similar size for precise spacing and even emergence, unless the description says otherwise.

Seeds per lb.

About 104,100 on average (range 52,900–142,100).

Packet

100 seeds.

Seeds per lb.

About 81,300 on average.