To grow seedlings inside, you will want seed trays, potting soil, and a grow lamp (or a reliably sunny windowsill). Fill the seed trays with potting soil, plant two seeds 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep in each cell, and lightly cover. Spray them with water and keep them damp until germination, which should occur within five to ten days.
- As soon as the seeds germinate, place them on a windowsill or grow light for at least 8 to 10 hours every day.
- Ensure that the grow light is just an inch or two from the seedlings, increasing its distance as the plants grow.
- If you are growing them on a windowsill, rotate the tray daily so the shoots grow straight and do not tilt toward the light.
Also, thin the seedlings to a single plant per seed tray immediately after germination. Keep the seedlings wet until they have two to three true leaf sets and are between four and six inches tall. At this stage, you must transfer them into your garden or container, if you’re taking that path.
- First, toughen them up.
- To do this, put them outside for half an hour in a shaded place away from direct sunlight and wind.
- The next day, extend the duration to one hour.
- Each day for the next several days, increase the amount of time they are left outside by one hour, until they are left outside all day.
Simply prepare a place that receives at least eight hours of sunshine every day before transplanting. The soil must be loose and permeable. Broccoli loves a pH between 6.0 and 7.0; thus, you should test the soil to determine whether it has to be amended. 
Can you start broccoli seedlings indoors?
The optimal time to grow broccoli seeds indoors is seven to nine weeks before the final frost at a temperature of 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, they can be seeded outside two weeks before the final frost. In zones 8 and warmer, sow in late summer for a winter harvest.
Tips for Sowing and Planting Broccoli – Plant broccoli from seed or seedlings. Seeds are viable for three years. For spring planting, start seeds inside seven to nine weeks before the average date of the last frost. Before the first fall frost, start seeds inside 10 to 12 weeks for a fall harvest.
Plant seeds in separate containers. Sow seed 1/4 to 1/2 inch (6-8 mm) deep in seed-starting mix. Maintain a moist but not wet mixture. At a temperature of 77°F (25°C) or thereabouts, seeds should germinate between 5 to 10 days. Plant seedlings in the garden when they are four to six inches (10 to 15 centimeters) tall with two to four leaves.
For optimal production, grow broccoli in full sun, but broccoli may tolerate partial shade. Before transplanting, incorporate 3 to 4 inches of compost and aged manure into the planting site; broccoli requires friable, moisture-retaining soil. Avoid planting in areas where cabbage family crops have recently been produced.
- Plants placed 10 to 12 inches (25-30 cm) apart will produce smaller heads than those spaced 18 to 24 inches (45-60 cm) apart.
- Separate rows by 36 inches (0.91 m).
- Two to three weeks after planting, shield seedlings from the cold by covering them with a cloche, plastic tunnel, or cold frame.
- Half-strength application of an organic fertilizer, such as fish emulsion.
Plant bush beans alongside beets, carrots, celery, chard, cucumbers, lettuce, and peas. Herbs having a strong aroma, such as dill, sage, rosemary, basil, mint, garlic, and thyme, pair well with broccoli. The strong perfume of these herbs repels insects that may otherwise harm broccoli.
Should broccoli seeds be soaked before planting?
Soaking Broccoli Seeds – Soaking broccoli seeds is not essential, and the seeds will grow just fine without it. However, soaking broccoli seeds in warm water for 12 to 24 hours will give them a head start and has the potential to accelerate germination.
COLUMBUS, Ohio — From seed, broccoli is an easy plant to cultivate (if you start it at the right time of the year). This cool-season vegetable dislikes summer’s heat, but thrives in winter’s shorter days and frigid weather.
How long must broccoli be grown indoors?
Help Your Broccoli Thrive – How long does it take broccoli to grow? Typically, it takes between 70 and 100 days to harvest a crop. Until that period expires, you should take good care of your plants. They require some sunlight during the day, but excessive sunlight will cause them to bloom prematurely.
