UK sowing calendar
When to sow broccoli in the UK
Broccoli sowing calendar (UK)
| Sow under cover | Mar-Apr |
|---|---|
| Sow / plant outdoors | Apr-Jun |
| Harvest | Jul-Oct |
Calabrese resents root disturbance, so sow into modules or direct outdoors rather than bare-root transplanting. Ready in three to four months; after cutting the central head, side-shoots crop for several more weeks. (Purple sprouting broccoli is different - it overwinters to crop Feb-Apr.)
UK timing runs on the last-frost date, not a USDA zone. Most of Britain sees its last frost around mid-May, with the north and exposed inland gardens a week or two later and the mild south-west and coast earlier. Tender crops start under cover and only go out once frost has passed; hardy crops can be direct-sown as soon as the soil is workable.
Timing aligned with the RHS grow-your-own guide for broccoli.
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When to sow broccoli in the UK — FAQs
When should I sow broccoli in the UK?
Sow broccoli under cover Mar-Apr, then outdoors apr-jun. Calabrese resents root disturbance, so sow into modules or direct outdoors rather than bare-root transplanting. Ready in three to four months; after cutting the central head, side-shoots crop for several more weeks. (Purple sprouting broccoli is different - it overwinters to crop Feb-Apr.)
Can you sow broccoli outdoors in the UK?
Yes — sow or plant broccoli outdoors apr-jun. Wait until after the last frost (around mid-May, later in the north) for anything tender.
When is broccoli ready to harvest in the UK?
Broccoli is typically harvested Jul-Oct in the UK, depending on your sowing date, cultivar and region.
Is it too late to sow broccoli?
It depends on the month and your region. Broccoli has a UK outdoor window of apr-jun; northern and exposed gardens run a week or two behind the south. Open Growli and tell it your postcode for timing tuned to your own last-frost date.