Growing broccoli

Space individual plants 12 to 18 inches apart.
When planting, add some general purpose fertilizer to the soil.
These varieties of broccoli are heat tolerant, but would appreciate protection such as shade cloth during times of extreme heat. Keeping soil evenly moist will also help.
All above ground parts of broccoli are edible at many stages. Harvesting heads that form before they bloom will encourage side shoots.
PLEASE NOTE: The plants on my farm table have NOT been hardened off. They are straight from the greenhouse.
You can do one of the following:
1. Expose them gradually to outdoor conditions over a week
-OR (as I do)-
2. Plant them immediately and give them protection from excess sun, wind, and rain for a week or two.

(Photos below are from the seed company websites unless otherwise noted.)

Broccoli ‘Gemini’

50 days. A stellar broccoli in our trial fields, Gemini produces tight, light-green beads on deeply domed, 6 inch heads. Compact plants are early, adaptable and offer options for spring and late summer plantings. A great option for small gardens. F1 hybrid variety. (Territorial Seed)

Broccoli ‘Purple Magic’

New! Purple heads and stems.

The well-domed heads are a beautiful deep purple overlaid on a dark green background with vibrant, bright violet stems. Suitable for bunching or crowns. Purple Magic has performed very well in cool-weather conditions in coastal regions in California and for fall crops in northern regions of the US. Darker purple and more attractive than other commercial purple types that we have trialed. 2024 AAS Winner. F1 hybrid variety. (Johnny’s Selected Seeds)