Broccoli, a cool-season crop, is often started from purchased plants, known as starts or seedlings, rather than seeds. These young plants are typically four to six weeks old and offer a significant time advantage, accelerating the path to harvest. While starting from seed is more economical, buying a pre-grown start ensures successful germination and bypasses the delicate, early indoor growing phase. Utilizing starts allows the gardener to transplant an established specimen directly into the garden, which is beneficial for crops requiring a long growing season.
Immediate Sources for In-Person Purchase
The most common source for broccoli starts is a local nursery or garden center. These businesses typically stock varieties suited to the regional climate and often offer plants grown by local producers, ensuring they are acclimated to the area’s outdoor conditions. Purchasing in person allows for a full inspection of the plant’s health before committing to the purchase.
When selecting a start, look for plants with sturdy, thick stems and a vibrant, dark green leaf color, which indicates good nutrient status and overall vigor. Avoid any plants showing signs of “bolting,” which is when the plant begins to form a small, premature head or tiny yellow flowers, signaling stress and a poor future harvest. Gently tipping the plant out of its container will reveal the root system, which should be white, fibrous, and hold the soil together without being overly dense or circling the pot (root-bound).
Large home improvement stores and big-box retailers also carry broccoli starts, offering convenience and generally lower prices. Since stock quality can vary widely, the inspection process is especially important at these locations. Seasonal pop-up stands at farmers markets or roadside stalls are another valuable source, often featuring unique or heirloom varieties not found in mass-market stores.
Online Options and Mail-Order Selection
Online nurseries and specialty seed companies provide a vast selection of broccoli plants, including specialty and heirloom varieties that may be impossible to find locally. This method is especially useful for gardeners seeking specific cultivars, such as heat-tolerant types for warmer climates or unique sprouting broccoli varieties. The primary advantage of mail-order is access to a broader genetic pool.
Shipping live plants requires careful coordination; the vendor’s reliability and packaging methods are paramount for a successful arrival. It is important to time the order to align with the local spring or fall planting window, ensuring the plants are shipped when conditions are right for immediate transplanting. Reputable companies often provide a shipping schedule based on your hardiness zone to help with this timing.
Upon receiving a shipment of mail-order starts, the plants must be acclimated to the outdoor environment before planting. This process, known as “hardening off,” involves gradually exposing the plants to increasing amounts of direct sunlight, wind, and cooler temperatures over the course of a week. This slow transition prevents the delicate leaves and stems from experiencing shock, reducing the risk of transplant failure and ensuring the plant is prepared to thrive in the garden soil.