How Many Times Can You Harvest a Broccoli Plant?

Harvesting

• The vegetable is ready to harvest when a tight cluster of unopened flower heads appear in the central area measuring 6 to 8 inches in diameter. Similar smaller buds continue to develop in the side stems repeatedly through the season. Harvest the central portion with 5 to 6 inches of the stems. Do not let the buds separate, loosen or allow the bright yellow flower to start blooming. Once the central bud is removed, the side stems continue to produce smaller buds until there are only a few leaves left on the plant. A single broccoli plant keeps producing for a month or longer under optimal growth conditions.

Soil

• Plant broccoli in well-drained, fertile and moist soil amended with organic material prior to planting. Maintaining soil pH between 6.0 to 7.0 ensures good growth, increases nutrient availability and reduces chances of clubroot disease. Fertilize soil with 2 to 3 lbs. of 8-16-16 fertilizer per 100 square feet of ground a couple of weeks before planting. Use 20-20-20 starter fertilizer to help the transplants establish rapidly.

Sowing and Planting

• Start seeds indoors during late December so that transplants are ready for planting between late February to the middle of March, after the last spring frost. Transplants are ready when the stem diameter is half that of a pencil and has five to six leaves. The recommended distance between plants is about 18 inches with 2 to 4 feet between rows.

Irrigation

• Water the plants regularly for best growth as the vegetable is succulent in nature with high water requirements. Mulch with an organic material to help conserve soil moisture and develop a stronger root system. The Ohio State University Extension suggests irrigating with 1 to 1 ½ inches of water week. Reduce watering during times of rain.