Growing Broccoli

I'm not quite sure where I picked up most of this information about Broccoli.  As you will read, Broccoli is a cool weather veggie.  Living in South Florida, I haven't had a chance to grow broccoli.

Calabrese is easier and quicker to grow than other types of broccoli, with only 15 weeks to harvest from planting. Broccoli requires approximately 40 weeks.

For the best results, broccoli should be planted after a crop of peas or beans, as these vegetables leave deposits of nitrogen in the soil, which is much needed by the broccoli for healthy growth and development.
Broccoli is a cool weather crop that generally thrives in cooler temperatures that do not exceed 30°C (86°F). The ideal temperature for cultivating broccoli is between 65 - 75°F.

Broccoli should be planted in an open, sunny or partially shaded area.

Sow broccoli seeds thinly, approximately 1 inch deep in rows that are 2 feet apart. Cover the seeds loosely with soil and water well. The seeds will germinate within about 10 days and then the seedlings can be thinned out to 1 foot apart (for Calabrese).

Calabrese is an extremely fast-growing crop and some varieties will be ready to harvest from anything between 40 - 65 days. If sown in April or May, the broccoli should be ready to harvest from July onwards until November.

Harvest the broccoli when the side florets start to loosen slightly but the main head is still very compact. Cut the Calabrese at the base of the stalk, so that the main head is removed.