BABY BROCCOLI Vegetable Seeds
Botanical Name: Brassica oleracea var. italica
Baby Broccoli is a compact, fast-maturing variety ideal for gardeners seeking a tender, nutrient-dense crop. Its small, mild-flavoured florets and crisp stems are perfect for fresh eating, stir-fries, steaming, or roasting. Cold-hardy and productive, Baby Broccoli can be grown successfully in most New Zealand regions during spring and autumn. Plants are space-saving, pest-resistant, and ideal for raised beds, pots, or small garden plots.
- Mild, tender broccoli heads ideal for baby harvest
- Rich in vitamin C, K, folate, fibre, and antioxidants
- Cold-hardy and flavour improves after light frost
- Quick to mature—multiple harvests per season possible
- Great for containers, garden beds, or small spaces
Plant Details
- Plant Type: Annual vegetable
- Plant Height: 30–45 cm
Sowing Information
- Germination: 7–14 days
- Temperature: 10–25°C
- Depth: Sow 1–2 cm deep
- Position: Full sun to part shade
- Sow Where: Direct into garden beds or start in trays and transplant
- Soil Type: Fertile, well-drained soil with compost; pH 6.0–7.0
- Spacing: 30 cm between plants; 45 cm between rows
Growing Tips for New Zealand Gardeners
- Keep soil consistently moist, especially in dry spells
- Mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds
- Apply a liquid or slow-release fertiliser to support head development
- Harvest when florets are small, tight, and tender
- Cooler weather improves sweetness and flavour
Harvest
Ready 50–70 days from sowing. Harvest heads before flowering for the best taste and texture. Side shoots may continue producing after the main head is cut.
When to Sow Baby Broccoli in New Zealand
| NZ Region | Sowing Window | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| North Island – Upper (e.g. Auckland, Bay of Plenty) | March–August | Plant in cooler months. Water consistently and harvest before bolting. |
| North Island – Lower (e.g. Wellington, Taranaki) | March–September | Ideal for autumn sowing. Protect young seedlings from strong winds. |
| South Island – Northern (e.g. Nelson, Marlborough) | March–September | Grow in spring or late summer. Frost improves flavour at harvest. |
| South Island – Central & Southern (e.g. Canterbury, Otago) | September–December | Start in trays under cover early or sow outdoors once frost risk has passed. |
