Broccoli is a cole crop the mustard family (Brassicaceae) and is the same species as western cabbage (Brassica oleracea) where it forms the bulk of the italica cultivar group.
The vegetable portion is composed of large flower heads which are most often green in color and branch out in a tree-like structure from a central stalk. The flower heads are surrounded by dark green leaves which are also edible.
Broccoli is closely related to many other veggies in the same species such as kale, cauliflower, collard greens, cabbage, brussels sprouts, broccolini, and kohlrabi. Other relatives belong to a related species, Brassica rapa, and include veggies such as turnips, bok choy, and rapini.
The Romans began cultivating this vegetable from other early species of the wild cabbage plant. By the 1700s, it had spread throughout Europe and into Asia and the Americas.
Are you ready to start a broccoli patch of your own? Be sure to check out all of our growing, care, and harvesting guides down below. Happy gardening!
Broccoli is one of those veggies that offers so much more than we often give it credit for. This staple crop can be harvested for its large heads, as well as its young tender leaves and side shoots. Read more now to learn how to harvest and store broccoli, and pick up some delicious recipe ideas too.
Broccoli isn’t the easiest cruciferous vegetable to cultivate. It needs cool weather and a host of other favorable growing conditions. Sometimes, instead of one large, compact head, multiple small ones called buttons develop. Learn why this happens, and what measures you can take to avoid it, here on Gardener’s Path.
Growing broccoli can be a challenge. Our aim is to produce flavorful, tight heads, but sometimes the result is loose, bitter ones and huge disappointment. Join us to learn the reasons for less than ideal outcomes, and how to avoid them, as we discuss broccoli with loose, bitter heads. Read more now.
If you’re looking for a cool weather crop, you can’t beat growing broccoli. It’s versatile and delicious, an excellent vegetable that’s perfect to enjoy at any time of day. Not sure which cultivar to choose? Read on for 13 varieties of one of nature’s healthiest choices for the table, now on Gardener’s Path.
If you have a vegetable patch full of fabulous green broccoli foliage, but there’s not a single head in sight, don’t despair. There are various reasons why broccoli fails to form heads, and there’s a lot you can do about it. Read on for our essential tips, and learn all you need to know to grow your best broccoli yet.
Would you like to grow broccoli, but aren’t sure how? Read on for the best instructions for cultivating this nutritious cool weather crop in your garden. See if a spring or fall planting suits your climate and learn the secrets to getting several harvests from one plant. It’s all right here, on Gardener’s Path.