How many broccoli heads does one plant produce?
Written by
Nguyen Minh
Reviewed by
Prof. Charles Hartman, Ph.D.On average, a broccoli plant will produce one main head, but that's not the end of its productivity. With proper care, broccoli varieties will grow side shoots for a few weeks after the main harvest. I have harvested as many as 12 small heads from a single Green Magic plant, just by keeping it watered and fed consistently.
Plant Spacing
- Space plants 18-24 inches apart for airflow
- Crowded plants compete for light and nutrients
- Reduces risk of mildew and pest infestations
Soil Quality
- Use compost-rich soil with 6.0-7.0 pH
- Apply 1 cup balanced fertilizer at planting
- Side-dress with nitrogen every 3 weeks
Variety Selection
- Gypsy: 1 main head + 6-8 side shoots
- Arcadia: Frost-resistant with prolonged harvests
- Romanesco: Single large head, minimal side shoots
The production of side shoots is heavily dependent upon variety and post-harvest care. When cutting the main head, leave 4-6 lower leaves. The leaves give the plant power for regrowth. To increase the yields, I spray my plants with compost tea every 10 days. I also recommend staggering the plant every 3 weeks for the very best results; that way, you get continuous blooms from spring through fall.
For families, plant 8-10 broccoli plants per person per year. My family of four plants 35 annually and freezes the extra florets. For a longer harvest, mix an early-maturing variety such as Green Magic with a cold-tolerant kind like Arcadia so you can enjoy broccoli into winter.
Read the full article: How to Grow Broccoli: Expert Tips for Home Gardens
