Does broccoli need full sunlight?
Written by
Nguyen Minh
Reviewed by
Prof. Charles Hartman, Ph.D.Broccoli thrives with 6 - 8 hours of sunlight each day for vigorous growth, although regional considerations come into play. In my Tennessee (zone 7) garden, shade in the afternoon prevents bolting in summer. Meanwhile, other growers in northern regions, in zones 3 - 5 may plant their broccoli in full sun with no problems, cooler temperatures will ease heat stress.
Hot Climates (Zones 8-10)
- Use 40% shade cloth when temps exceed 85°F (29°C)
- Plant west of tall crops like corn for natural afternoon shade
- Water deeply at dawn to cool roots
Cool Climates (Zones 3-5)
- Maximize sun exposure with south-facing beds
- Black plastic mulch warms soil for early spring planting
- No shading needed unless heatwaves occur
Balanced Light Solutions
- Rotate pots morning-to-afternoon for patio gardens
- Interplant with lettuce to create partial shade
- Monitor leaf color, yellowing indicates light starvation
Soil moisture amplifies the effects of sunlight. Since I have clay soil that holds water, I can give full sun to my zone 7 mornings. Sandy soils need shade, as they dry quickly. The reason we mulch with straw and not bark is that straw reflects less heat while keeping moisture, which is very important for making heads.
*Pay attention for bolting signs*: a floret is loose and stems are stretched out. I missed these cues in Arizona, and my plants flowered in 90°F (32°C) summer heat. Now, I harvest early and freeze what I don't need. I also plant succession 21 days apart to guarantee I'll have the best possible supply of vegetables despite variable light levels.
Read the full article: How to Grow Broccoli: Expert Tips for Home Gardens
