How far apart should broccoli be planted?

Space plants 18 inches apart in rows 24 inches apart — each plant needs this room for a full-size main head.

How much broccoli does one plant produce?

The main head plus subsequent side shoots total about 1.5 lb per plant over a 4-6 week harvest period.

When should I start broccoli indoors?

Start seeds 6 weeks before last frost; transplant outdoors 1 week before last frost since broccoli tolerates light frost.

Broccoli: Spacing, Yield & Planting Dates

Plant count & yield calculator

Pre-filled for this crop — adjust bed size or pick a different vegetable.

Bed length

Bed width

Crop

Enter bed size to count plants.

Seed starting dates

Pre-filled last frost — change the date to rebuild the full crop schedule. For Broccoli with this frost date : start indoors ~Mar 4, transplant ~Apr 8 .

Pick a last frost date for the schedule.

About broccoli

Home-grown broccoli surpasses grocery store heads in flavor and nutrition, with the bonus of weeks of side-shoot harvests after the main head is cut.

Spacing & yield

Broccoli wants 18×24 inches and about 1.5 lb per plant at ~75 days to maturity.

Growing tips

Transplant early — broccoli needs to mature its head before hot weather arrives.
Cut the main head while buds are still tight and green for best quality.
Leave the plant in the ground after main harvest; side shoots continue for weeks.
Float row cover over young transplants to exclude cabbage moths.

Common mistakes

Waiting too long to harvest — open yellow flowers mean flavor has declined.
Planting in summer heat, causing button heads or premature bolting.
Under-spacing below 18 inches, restricting head size.

Harvest & storage

Cut the central head with 5-6 inches of stem when florets are tight, about 75 days from transplant.

Refrigerate unwashed in a produce bag for up to 2 weeks; blanch and freeze for long-term storage.

Companion planting

Good neighbors for broccoli: onions, celery, potatoes, dill, chamomile. Avoid planting beside: tomatoes, peppers, strawberries.

Planting calendar

Start indoors about 6 weeks before last frost, then transplant 1 weeks before frost. Use the seed-starting calculator above with your real county frost date — the April 15 default is only a worked example (zone 6 style).

Estimates only — consult your local extension office for advice specific to your land and animals.

Frequently asked questions

How far apart should broccoli be planted?: Space plants 18 inches apart in rows 24 inches apart — each plant needs this room for a full-size main head.
How much broccoli does one plant produce?: The main head plus subsequent side shoots total about 1.5 lb per plant over a 4-6 week harvest period.
When should I start broccoli indoors?: Start seeds 6 weeks before last frost; transplant outdoors 1 week before last frost since broccoli tolerates light frost.