Broccoli is one of my favorite vegetables to grow because it is so much tastier than store-bought. It’s also packed with nutrients and rewarding to grow. Whether you’re in Phoenix or the cooler climates of Sedona and Prescott, broccoli is a must-have for your cool-season garden.
Ready to get started? Let’s talk about when to plant, how to care for your broccoli, and the best tips for a bountiful harvest!
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Broccoli is part of the cabbage or Brassicaceae. It is an easy vegetable to grow and like all vegetables so much tastier when it is home grown.
Phoenix Gardening Steps: Grow Broccoli
- When and how to plant Broccoli
- What grows well near broccoli and what doesn’t?
- How to care for broccoli plants
- Harvesting broccoli-when is the ideal time to pick broccoli?
How and When to Plant Broccoli
As one of the cool season vegetables broccoli should be planted at the end of summer, so the plant has time to mature and be ready for harvest before it gets too hot out again.
When to Plant Broccoli in Arizona
- In Phoenix, plant broccoli August 15 – January 15. Seeds can be planted from the end of August through the beginning of January. Transplants can be planted from late September through the end of January.
- In Sedona and Prescott, plant broccoli February 15- April 15.
When planting broccoli remember the plant needs time to mature and be ready to harvest before day temperatures exceed 75 degrees. If the temperature gets too hot broccoli is susceptible to bolting or premature flowering.
Allow 18 inches of space between plants.
Companion Plants for Broccoli
To make gardening easier plant some of broccoli’s relatives nearby. They will have the same growing requirements.
Broccoli loves good company in the garden! Pair it with plants that have similar growing needs or help deter pests.
Best Companions:
- Cabbage Family: Kale, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, turnips, and cabbage thrive alongside broccoli.
- Aromatic Herbs: Sage, rosemary, and dill help repel pests and look beautiful too.
- Alliums: Onions and garlic can deter pesky rabbits and other nibblers.
Plants to Avoid:
Broccoli isn’t a fan of tomatoes, strawberries, or beans—they compete for nutrients or attract pests that broccoli doesn’t tolerate well.
How to Care for Broccoli
Light Requirements: Broccoli needs full sun or about 6 hours of sun a day.
Soil Requirements: Prefers loamy well-drained soil, but broccoli can also grow well in amended clay or sandy soils as well. Broccoli likes slightly acidic to slightly alkaline pH. The soil pH range of 6.8-7.4 is ideal.
Water Requirements: Broccoli likes consistent moisture. Water several times per week.
Fertilization Requirements: Broccoli is a heavy feeder. Like all plants broccoli appreciates soil that is amended with compost. Supplemental fertilizer should have high nitrogen. Alfalfa meal can provide nitrogen requirements.
When to Harvest Broccoli
Broccoli takes longer to mature than a lot of other cool season vegetables. On average, broccoli is ready to harvest anywhere from 90-130 days from being planted.
In Phoenix this means harvest times are December through May depending on when it is planted.
How to Harvest
- Look for heads that are dark green and firm, around 6–8 inches in diameter.
- Cut the main head at an angle, about 6 inches down the stalk.
- Don’t stop there! Many broccoli plants will produce smaller side shoots after the main head is harvested, so keep tending your plants for a second harvest.
Broccoli isn’t just delicious; it’s also packed with vitamins and antioxidants. Growing it in your own garden ensures it’s fresh, chemical-free, and always within reach for a healthy meal. Plus, watching your garden transform from tiny seedlings to lush, productive plants is one of the most rewarding parts of gardening.
So, are you ready to plant broccoli in your Arizona garden? Grab your seeds, prep your soil, and start growing! You’ll be harvesting fresh, homegrown broccoli before you know it.
Gardening for Beginners: How to Grow Vegetables