Days to Maturity: Approximately 70-75 days from transplant (often 71 days typical; longer in cooler conditions, best suited for warmer harvest periods).
Sun Needs: Full sun with at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily—essential for tight head formation, size, color, and flavor in Utah's sunny, intense summer conditions.
Season Type: Cool-season crop with strong heat tolerance; ideal for mid-spring transplanting aiming for summer/early fall harvest (or late summer for fall heads) when days are long and temperatures moderate to warm—avoids bolting better than many varieties in Utah's variable climate.
Plant Habit & Support: Vigorous, upright plants 18-24 inches tall and wide; no support needed—space 18-24 inches apart in rows 24-36 inches apart for good airflow and head development.
Other Notes: Excellent heat tolerance and post-harvest holding ability (heads stay tight longer); watch for cabbage worms, aphids, clubroot, or downy mildew—organic mulch (like straw or compost) helps retain moisture and reduce soil splash; after main head harvest, side shoots often produce additional smaller heads for extended picking.
Best Planting Method: Transplant when soil is workable and cool in mid-spring or mid-summer for fall crops. Space plants 18-24 inches apart in rows or beds; plant at the same depth as in the pot. Amend soil generously with compost for fertility, drainage, and organic matter—raised beds are ideal in heavier or alkaline Utah soils to prevent rot and encourage healthy roots. Organic mulch (such as straw, compost, or grass clippings) around plants retains moisture, moderates soil temperature, and suppresses weeds.
Watering Needs: Maintain consistently moist soil (1-2 inches per week) without waterlogging—even moisture throughout growth prevents loose heads, bitterness, or bolting; drip irrigation is best in dry Utah conditions to keep foliage dry and reduce disease. Mulch significantly helps during warmer spells; avoid letting soil dry out, especially during head formation, and containers (if used) dry faster so check frequently.
Fertilization Needs: Incorporate compost or balanced organic fertilizer at planting for nutrient-rich soil. Broccoli is a heavy feeder—side-dress with a nitrogen-rich option (like compost tea or fish emulsion) 3-4 weeks after transplanting, and possibly again midway, to support leaf and head growth. Avoid excess nitrogen late to prevent soft, pest-prone plants; harvest the main head when it's firm and compact (before buds open) by cutting below it with a sharp knife—side shoots will follow for more harvest. It's great for containers.