How to Harvest Broccoli

Broccoli is rich in dietary fiber, Vitamin C and Vitamin K, and has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory benefits. It is part of the cole crop family (Brassica oleracea), which also includes cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower and collard greens. Broccoli is ready to be harvested 50-100 days after it has been planted, depending on the variety. It is important that you have the appropriate knowledge and tools so you'll be prepared to pick your broccoli as soon as it's ready!

Part 1
Part 1 of 2:

Planning the Harvest

  1. It would be helpful to mark this time in your calendar so you can prepare for your harvest in the days leading up to it. Consult your seed packet instructions for an estimate of how long it will take to mature and the predicted size of your broccoli head. [1]
  2. The florets should be a dense set of small green flower buds (about the size of a pinhead). You’ll want to harvest before these flower, so make sure to inspect them carefully and be ready to harvest if there is any sign of yellowing or flowering. [3]
    • Monitor the temperature as hot spells for more than 7 days can cause your plant to bolt and flower quickly, which is not ideal for harvesting.
    • Harvest your broccoli immediately if there are any signs of flowers or yellowing
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  3. Your broccoli will be ready to harvest when the central head stops growing in size. Most homegrown heads reach sizes of about 4 to 6 inches in diameter, but refer back to your seed packet for a better estimate. [4]
    • If you lightly squeeze the head, it should feel tight as there should be very little space between the florets.
    • Don’t worry if the head isn’t as tightly packed as store-bought broccoli. Since it doesn’t have to be transported anywhere, it can be harvested at a later stage. [5]
  4. This is generally in the morning or the evening when the soil is less exposed to the sun. Cooler soil is able to retain more moisture which results in a fresher, less wilted plant. For the best possible taste, harvest your broccoli in the morning. [6]
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Part 2
Part 2 of 2:

Harvesting Your Broccoli

  1. You’ll also need a container or basket to collect your broccoli in. Ensure that your pruners/knife are clean and sharp, as this will keep your broccoli healthy after you cut it, and allow it to continue growing.
  2. Measure about 5-8 inches down the stalk below the head and clip or cut the stem. Ensure you cut at an angle to prevent rain from pooling on top and rotting the centre of the stem. [7]
    • Try to make the cut in one motion to avoid tearing the stalk.
  3. In the weeks after you harvest the main head, your plant may continue to grow side shoots that you can also cut off for up to three months. Check back every 3-4 days to see if there are new side shoots to harvest. [8]
    • Clip these in the same way you harvest the main head, ensuring you cut the stalks at an angle and leave a couple of inches of stalk at the bottom.
    • You can get several harvests throughout the season by following this process, and side shoots will take longer to bolt/flower. [9]
    • If your plant is flowering, you can still harvest it as the flowers are edible, and can be used in a variety of soup, salad or stir-fry recipes.
  4. Rinse and thoroughly dry the florets and store your refrigerator in a loosely sealed bag or container. Broccoli stored this way will keep for up to 5 days. If you plan to keep broccoli for longer, simply blanch and freeze it. Frozen broccoli can keep for up to a year. [10]
  5. Once the side shoots stop growing, this is a sign the plant is no longer producing. [11] Using your gloves, pull the entire plant out, including the roots. This will make room for future crops, and stop the broccoli plant from rotting in your soil.
    • If you have a compost system, you can add the plant to your pile and it will create nutritious food for future crops.
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      Tips

      • Don’t be disappointed if your broccoli heads are smaller than what you see in the supermarket as those are grown in highly controlled environments. [12]
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      • Make sure your tools are clean and sharp enough to cut through without tearing the broccoli stalks.
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      • Make sure to choose a broccoli variety that suits the conditions and location of your garden
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      Warnings

      • Wear gloves when harvesting to protect your hands and be careful when handling sharp gardening tools
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      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about growing vegetables, check out our in-depth interview with Erin Hostetler .

      References

      1. ↑ https://gardenerd.com/blog/harvest-broccoli/
      2. ↑ Erin Hostetler. Edible Gardening Expert. Expert Interview
      3. ↑ https://www.no-dig-vegetablegarden.com/broccoli-goes-to-flower.html
      4. ↑ https://extension.illinois.edu/veggies/broccoli.cfm
      5. ↑ https://nwedible.com/harvest-broccoli-cauliflower/
      6. ↑ https://www.almanac.com/plant/broccoli
      7. ↑ https://www.almanac.com/broccoli
      8. ↑ https://harvesttotable.com/broccoli_growing_problems_trou/
      9. ↑ https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/broccoli/bolting-broccoli-growing-broccoli-in-hot-weather.htm
      1. ↑ http://www.stilltasty.com/fooditems/index/16634
      2. ↑ https://www.almanac.com/plant/broccoli
      3. ↑ https://bonnieplants.com/growing/growing-broccoli/

      About this article

      Article Summary X

      When it’s time to harvest your broccoli, roughly 2-4 months after planting, first check to see if the plant is ready. Make sure the florets are small and green and haven’t started flowering yet, and that the central head is about 4-6 inches in diameter. When your broccoli is ready to harvest, use a knife or pruners to cut off the main stalk. Next, clip the side shoots. Make sure to cut these shoots at an angle and leave an inch of the stalk, as they can continue to grow and be harvested again for several months. To learn how to store your harvested broccoli, read on!

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      Reader Success Stories

      • Mary Lusk

        Nov 26, 2020

        "We grew broccoli for the first time in a raised garden and I needed to know when to harvest."

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