It is generally believed to have originated in the eastern Mediterranean and southern European area. Broccoli is a cool-season crop and will not fare well in Georgia's midsummer heat. But fall and spring crops are commonly produced. Broccoli is best grown from transplants, although direct seeding is also possible. Consider head size, yield, color, bead size and uniformity and doming when choosing a variety.
Most people prefer varieties with small beads and dark green to blue-green heads.
Start transplants five to six weeks before the transplanting date. You can grow them in a seedbed or in containers. Delay transplanting until most chance for a major freeze has past. The major production problems associated with broccoli are buttoning, the production of small, undesirable heads, and bolting, the production of a flower head prior to maturity. Keeping the plant healthy and growing is the best prevention for both of these.