Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
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S | S | ||||||||||
T | T | T |
(Best months for growing Broccoli in New Zealand - cool/mountain regions)
Keep well-watered as seedlings. If left without water they will bolt to seed and be inedible. The plants should grow to develop plenty of large healthy leaves, then the green flowerheads follow, which are cut for eating. Leave the plant growing after cutting the main flowerhead, and get additional crops from the sideshoots which will develop.
Watch for cabbage white butterflies and remove the eggs and caterpillars as soon as possible.
There are two main types of broccoli. The purple sprouting is hardier. The heading varieties cope well with warmer weather.
Once a plant opens its yellow flowers then it is generally past eating as the flavour gets a bit overpowering and the plant gets very woody. Harvest them sooner rather than later.
'Broccolini' is a variety grown for the edible stalks. Grow fast with plenty of water and food, and pick as soon as possible.
The stem (peeled), leaves, and flowerhead are all edible.
Steam for best flavour. Peel large stalks, slice and steam.
Goes well with blue cheese sauce.
This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. GardenGrow is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department.
The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
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