Plant seedlings in very early spring for summer bearing or sow seeds for fall or early-winter harvests. Space plants about one foot from each other in rows 18 inches apart in rich, well-drained soil. Broccoli needs a consistent supply of water and nitrogen. Add compost and dried blood meal to the soil prior to planting and reapply one month after planting. To discourage such pests as caterpillars or cabbage white butterflies and cabbage moths, cover plants with lightweight fabric row covers.
Broccoli plants produce single central flower stalks.
Harvest them when the buds swell but before they begin to open and loosen. Cut the stalk about eight inches below the buds, or flowerets. If left uncut on the plant, the buds will flower. After the main stalk has been cut, smaller side shoots, or individual broccoli spears, will develop. Harvest these small shoots often to encourage production.