DescriptionPiracicaba Broccoli SeedsScientific Name: Brassica oleracea, Botrytis Group Family: MustardType: Hardy AnnualNative Range: Pacific Basin excluding HawaiiHardiness Zones: 3-10; cole crops and their waxy leaves are particularly well-suited to colder growing regions, especially if adapted to the area; usually withstands a couple of frosts;Soil Requirements: Clay-loam soil with pH close to neutral; may require calcium or boron;Light Preference: Partial to full sunWater: Keep evenly moistDays until Germination: 5-17 daysSowing: For early planting, start piracicaba broccoli seeds indoors with soil temperatures around 60°; plant about 1/4″ in soil; harden off transplants at around 4-5 weeks; transplant when 3-4 true leaves have shown; in cooler climates seeds can be direct-sown after the soil warms to 55°-60°;Plant Spacing: Plant seeds 4″-6″ but thin to 14″-24″;Plant Height: 14″-18″Harvest: 65-80 days from transplant if started indoors; 75-100 days if direct sown in cooler climate; remove main head by cutting at 45° angle before, or as, head starts to separate from main stem (sign that broccoli is starting to flower); allow stock to continue to grow and produce “second heads” or side-shoots; Piracicaba has a particularly loose head formation; Grows Well With: Dill; celery; camomile; sage; peppermint; rosemary; potatoes; beets; onions;Grows Poorly With: Tomatoes; pole beans; strawberries;Potential Problems: Heat stress; seedlings must have enough light or they will get leggy and develop improperly after transplant; aphids; cabbage worms; loopers; root maggots; flea beetles; symphylans;
