Where Do Broccoli Seeds Come From?

Broccoli – a veg that most people seem to either love or hate. I spent most of my life loving it, but then one day I’d had enough and now I very rarely eat it unless it’s been added to stir-fry dishes for a bit of crunch.

It is of course possible to grow your own broccoli – and the home grown stuff is much nicer than shop bought in my opinion – so today we’re going to look at where broccoli seeds come from and how you can grow your own from seeds!

The Origins of Broccoli

Broccoli is a member of the cabbage family and is native to the Mediterranean region. This much maligned veggie was first cultivated in Italy in ancient Roman times. However, it only made its way to international land by 1720, when it was introduced to England.

All things considered, broccoli can still be deemed as a relatively new type of crop in regards to its presence in the U.S. This vegetable first arrived in America back in the 1920s, and it wasn’t until after the 1940s that it was finally considered a valuable veggie.

Another interesting fact about broccoli is that it is not a naturally occurring vegetable. Yes,broccoli is an edible vegetable but it is in fact manmade, and is bred from the wild cabbage plant!

Broccoli is an annual plant known to be a considerably fast grower. A mature broccoli plant can grow to a maximum of 90 cm (35 inches) and features its signature dense green cluster of flower buds. The leaves of the broccoli are also quite leathery, almost rubber-like. This plant prefers cooler climates and propagates via seeds, which will be our focus today.

Where Do Broccoli Seeds Come From?

As broccoli matures, it will start developing flower buds, this is where its seeds can be found. It is also the edible part of the broccoli plant that is harvested. To know whether the broccoli plant’s seeds are ready for harvest, you will need to wait until the flower blooms and turns into pods. Then, the broccoli head will turn from its deep green shade to light yellow, signaling it is entering its mature stage.

The best condition for your broccoli if you plan to harvest its seeds is in a cool and dry environment. If humidity is low in your location, you can expect seed development to reach its full potential. It is also important to remember that broccoli seeds will take some time before they are ready for harvest. Usually between 90 to 110 days but this can take up to 150 days, depending on the weather and climate.

How To Stop Your Broccoli From Going To Seed Too Early?

Bolting is a condition where plants suddenly go through a growth spurt, developing flowers and seeds while the plant itself has yet to reach its natural full maturity. There are many causes for plants to bolt, depending on the plant species and the environment.

Regarding broccoli, the primary cause of bolting tends to be higher temperatures. As noted earlier, broccoli is a cold-weather crop, and it thrives when temperatures are kept within 65 to 75 °F (18 to 24 °C). If it gets warmer than that, the risk of broccoli bolting becomes higher. This is due to the soil getting hot, which affects the root system directly.

So, how can we stop the broccoli from going to seed prematurely during the hot summer season? Here are several ways that can help lower the chance of bolting:

Adding Mulch

One of the most straightforward ways to prevent your broccoli from bolting during summer is by adding a layer of mulch to the soil. The right amount of mulch can effectively protect the roots from higher temperatures and keep them relatively cool.

Water It Frequently

Besides adding mulch, water is another effective way to keep the broccoli’s roots cool during the blistering summer days. So water your broccoli crops regularly once summer rolls in, and ensure that the soil doesn’t get too dry.

Install Row Covers

Placing row covers on top of your broccoli crop should also help prevent the soil from heating up too much. The lightweight fabric can act as a barrier between the hot sun rays and the plants and soil, helping to keep the soil from getting too hot and drying up.

Harvest Often

You can also harvest broccoli frequently to prevent the flowers from blooming. Once you cut the broccoli head, it will almost immediately start growing a new one, which eliminates the chance of the flower developing and bolting.

Can I Save The Broccoli Seeds For Planting Next Year?

Yes, as long as you store the broccoli seeds within the recommended environment, you can expect the seeds to be viable for up to two years. Broccoli seeds, like the plant, will require a cool and dry place for storage.

There are several possible options as to where you can store the seeds. You can opt for paper packets, plastic zip-lock bags, and airtight plastic or glass jars. I would recommend using paper packets as plastic may trap moisture inside, which is something that may then affect the seeds when it comes time to plant them.

You can also check to see if the seeds are still viable for planting by placing them in a glass with water. If the seeds sink, they are still viable to be planted.

I recommend planting seeds harvested from your garden rather than purchasing one at your local hardware store or grocery. The reason behind this is that seeds harvested from homegrown crops tend to yield healthier plants.

As is the case when preparing seeds, you should allow the broccoli seeds to dry thoroughly before you store them. Also, label the seeds with harvest dates to keep track of their viability.

Is It Possible To Grow Broccoli In Pots From Seeds?

Yes, broccoli can be grown in pots and containers if you do not have the space for a garden at home. The recommended container size per plant is 5 gallons (19 liters). Before planting, it is crucial to know the best time to do so.

As broccoli is a cold-weather crop, the best time to start planting would be after summer or early spring. Next, you should prepare the container. Fill the container with soil and fertilizer (10-10-10 NPK) and mix it with a 50-50 combination of soil and compost.

Broccoli prefers soil with a pH level of 6.0 to 7.0, which is neutral with a slight acidity. Also, ensure that the container has adequate drainage holes underneath to prevent root rot.

While I don’t have garden space myself, I fully intend to have another go at growing broccoli next year, and you guessed it, I’ll be using some of my larger containers to do so.

Have you grown broccoli before? Are you planning to do so in the future? Do share any tips and tricks you have for fellow readers in the comments below!