How to Grow Broccoli in North Texas

Montebello sprouting broccoli growing in a North Texas garden.

As the founder of The Dallas Garden School, I’ve spent years testing varieties and methods specifically for the challenging North Texas climate. While broccoli can be tricky to grow here, I’ve refined the process to help you achieve success in your own garden. Keep reading to learn the easiest way to grow broccoli successfully in your North Texas vegetable garden.

When to Plant Broccoli in North Texas

Broccoli is a cool-season vegetable, which means that it grows best when temperatures are mild, averaging between 60 and 70 degrees. We get those temperatures here in North Texas in early spring and late fall. Some Northern gardeners can grow broccoli well into the summer, but our Texas summers are too hot. 

Choose a planting method

If you are a beginner, I recommend purchasing broccoli transplants from a nursery. The number of transplants you purchase will depend on how many people are in your household. The general rule is to grow 3–5 plants per person. 

We do not recommend planting broccoli seeds directly into the garden. This is the least reliable way to start broccoli in North Texas because our short cool seasons leave little room for delays. Starting with established transplants gives plants more time to mature before temperatures become too hot or cold.

If you have experience starting seeds indoors or have taken our Indoor Seed-Starting Master Class, this method lets you choose from a wider selection of different varieties and gives you control over timing.

The optimal planting windows

Transplant broccoli seedlings into your North Texas garden between February 1st and March 1st for the spring season, or between September 1st and November 30th for the fall season. (When planting in February for spring, keep frost cloth handy, and cover plants if a hard freeze is forecasted.)

If starting seeds indoors, plan to start seeds between January 1st and 31st for the spring season, or between July 25th and August 25th for the fall season. Transplant seedlings into the garden approximately 6–8 weeks after starting indoors or once the seedlings begin to outgrow the cell tray.

You can always reference our Annual Handbook and Planner for recommended planting dates and guidance.

Choosing the Best Broccoli Varieties for North Texas

There are many different varieties of broccoli that can be grown in a home garden, but not all of them are suitable for growing in North Texas. 

If you plan to purchase broccoli transplants, shop at local, independent nurseries. These stores are more likely to carry varieties suited to our climate, and the staff can offer guidance. 

If you are starting broccoli seeds indoors, look for broccoli varieties described as “heat tolerant” or “early-maturing”.

Broccoli varieties we recommend for growing in North Texas include: 

  • Happy Rich (mini broccoli)
  • Montebello (mini broccoli)
  • Green Magic (standard)
  • Monty (standard)
  • Imperial (standard)

I’m personally partial to growing mini broccoli because I can harvest just the amount of broccoli that I need over a longer period of time. My current favorite variety is ‘Happy Rich.’ I am currently testing ‘Sidekick’ and ‘BC1611’.

Harvesting ‘Montebello’ broccoli.

How to Plant and Grow for Success

Broccoli needs four things in order to grow well in North Texas: 

  • Proper spacing: In order to form large heads, broccoli plants need to reach their maximum size. If plants are spaced too close together, the plants will compete with each other for light, nutrients, and water. Always follow the directions on the plant tag or seed packet for how far apart to plant your broccoli.
  • Consistent moisture: Rain is often reliable during our broccoli-growing seasons, but when rain is scarce, broccoli needs regular watering to maintain even soil moisture. Check the soil several inches below the surface and water before the root zone dries out. The soil should feel similar to a wrung-out sponge.
  • Regular fertilization: To grow to their full potential, broccoli plants require sufficient nutrients. Because broccoli can have higher nutrient needs than other vegetables, it’s important to fertilize plants on a regular basis. Follow the schedule and application amounts recommended on the fertilizer packaging. I use and recommend Alaska Brand fish fertilizer, Espoma Plant-Tone, MicroLife Multi-Purpose, or FoxFarm Grow Big. (Only use one fertilizer at a time.)
  • Mulched soil: Once broccoli seedlings are 4–6 inches tall, spread a 3-inch layer of mulch over the soil around the seedlings. Take care to leave a ring of bare soil around the base of the plants. I use Vital Earth Resources brand shredded hardwood mulch purchased from Ruibal’s or Nicholson-Hardie. (For retailers near you, call Vital Earth Resources.) Mulch retains soil moisture, suppresses weeds, and regulates soil temperature. 

When and How to Harvest Broccoli

Roughly two months after planting, broccoli will begin forming a head. (If you are growing sprouting broccoli, florets can begin to appear in as little as 5 weeks after planting.)

The standard broccoli head is ready to harvest when it has reached a usable size but before the head starts separating and flowering. When in doubt, harvest your broccoli sooner rather than later. For sprouting/mini broccoli, florets can be harvested at any stage, but harvest before flowering for best flavor and texture. 

For standard broccoli, cut the broccoli head from the main stalk. Some standard broccoli plants will form side shoots after the main head is harvested. 

For sprouting/mini broccoli, cut individual florets and their stems above a set of leaves. (Stems of sprouting/mini broccoli are more tender than standard broccoli stems.) Side shoots can continue to form for several months. 

Refrigerate harvested broccoli right away to preserve its quality.

Common Pests

Broccoli can attract a few pests in our North Texas gardens.

  • Caterpillars: You may see holes in your leaves as plants grow. If you find caterpillars, treat them with organic Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). I prefer to use ready-mixed products like Bonide Bt spray because proper dilution of concentrates often yields more mixture that I can use in a single application.
  • Aphids: These small insects feed on plant sap. To prevent them, avoid excessive nitrogen fertilization, which encourages the tender growth aphids prefer. If you see them, knock them off the plant with a strong jet of water. If that doesn’t take care of the infestation, you can follow up with pyrethrin-free insecticidal soap.

Grow Broccoli with Confidence

Growing broccoli successfully in North Texas comes down to planting at the right time and giving it what it needs in order to grow to their full potential. Follow these guidelines, and you’ll have a much better chance of harvesting healthy, full-sized heads from your own garden. 

For more practical, research-based help with what to plant and how to grow it, explore the classes and resources available inside The Dallas Garden School.

Callie Works-Leary
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