Brassica oleracea var. italica
Broccoli should be started from seed and then transplanted into its final location when it is 4 – 6 weeks old. Be warned – it requires more space than you might think when you are planting out those itty bitty seedlings so make sure you space them at least 30cm apart (50cm would be better).
Make sure they are well watered when young so they don’t bolt and you should end up with large, leafy plants.
Harvest when the flowerhead (that’s the bit we eat) is large and densely packed. Leave the plant in the ground and you will a few get additional, smaller harvests from the same plant. If you leave it too long, yellow flowers appear and the taste will suffer so pay attention when you think it is getting close to ready so you don’t miss your window.
