Broccoflower (Brassica oleracea)

Plant Snapshot

Common Name: Broccoflower
Latin Name: Brassica oleracea
Hardiness Zones: Grown as a cool season annual. Tolerates light frost. Winter survival depends on local climate and cultivar.
Typical Height: 12–24 in (30–60 cm)
Typical Spread: 12–24 in (30–60 cm)
Bloom Period: Not grown for flowers. Plants will bolt and flower in warm conditions if left unharvested.
Soil Preferences: Fertile, well drained loam with good organic matter. pH about 6.0–7.5. Heavy wet soils reduce head quality and increase root problems.
Light Preferences: Full sun for best head formation. Light shade can be tolerated but may reduce yields and encourage sprawl.
Toxicity: Edible and safe for humans. Not classified as poisonous to pets but large ingestions can cause vomiting, diarrhea or gas. Handle as food rather than a toxic plant.
Propagation: By seed. Start seed indoors and transplant or direct sow into the garden. No routine vegetative propagation.

Key Facts

Broccoflower is a Brassica oleracea type that combines traits of broccoli and cauliflower
It is grown as a cool season vegetable for its edible head
Plants are commonly started from seed or transplanted as seedlings
Prefers fertile, well drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH
Performs best in full sun for firm head development
Tolerates light frost but will bolt in sustained heat
Not poisonous to humans and is used like cauliflower in cooking
Pets may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they eat large amounts

Broccoflower is a Brassica oleracea type that combines traits of broccoli and cauliflower and is grown as a cool season vegetable for its edible head. It forms compact heads in full sun but will bolt and flower if exposed to sustained heat.

Identification

Plants produce a dense edible head similar to cauliflower with a texture and flavor that recalls broccoli and cauliflower. Mature plants typically reach about 12 to 24 inches tall with a similar spread depending on variety and growing conditions.

Where to grow and best uses

Grow broccoflower in vegetable beds, raised rows or large containers for harvest of the central head. It performs best in full sun and fertile, well drained soil rich in organic matter. It is grown as a cool season annual and tolerates light frost, so plan crops for spring and fall rather than the summer heat.

Soil and light

Use loam amended with compost and a soil pH near 6.0 to 7.5 for best head quality. Good drainage reduces root problems and improves harvestable heads. Full sun gives the firmest heads; light shade reduces yields and can encourage sprawling growth.

Planting time and propagation

Start seed indoors 4 to 8 weeks before the planned transplant date or direct sow according to your local cool season window. Timing varies by climate and cultivar so choose spring or fall slots that avoid prolonged heat.

Planting depth and spacing

Transplant seedlings at the same depth they grew in their pots and space plants about 12 to 24 inches apart to allow room for head development and airflow. Crowded plants produce smaller heads and are more prone to disease.

Watering and feeding

Keep soil evenly moist through head formation. Inconsistent moisture or drought can produce loose or bitter heads while overly wet heavy soils reduce head quality and increase risk of root problems. Side dress or apply balanced fertilizer to support steady growth on fertile sites.

After flowering and bolting

Flowering indicates bolting and a decline in edible quality. Remove bolted plants and compost them or let them set seed for future saving. Bolting is most often triggered by sustained high temperatures, so schedule plantings for cooler parts of the season.

Containers and small spaces

Broccoflower can be grown in large containers that allow for 12 to 24 inches of spread and a deep, fertile growing mix. Provide full sun and steady moisture and avoid placing containers where they will overheat in midsummer.

Toxicity and pets

Broccoflower is edible for humans and used like cauliflower in cooking. It is not classified as poisonous to pets but large amounts can cause mild gastrointestinal upset in dogs and cats, so limit pet access to harvestable heads.

Control and succession planting

Prevent unwanted spread by removing bolting plants and clearing debris. Use successive spring and fall plantings to keep harvests coming while avoiding the hottest part of the year that triggers bolting.

Frequently asked questions

How fast does Broccoflower grow?: Growth rate varies by cultivar and growing conditions. Seedlings are often started indoors 4 to 8 weeks before transplant and mature plants commonly reach 12 to 24 inches tall during the cool season. Days to a harvestable head vary by variety.
How close should I plant Broccoflower?: Space plants about 12 to 24 inches apart to allow head development and airflow.
How do I prevent bolting?: Plant in cooler parts of the year, avoid prolonged high temperatures, keep soil evenly moist and provide some shade if an unexpected heat spell occurs.
Can Broccoflower be grown in containers?: Yes if the container is large enough for the plant to reach its 12 to 24 inch spread and is filled with fertile, well drained potting mix. Provide full sun and consistent watering.
Is Broccoflower safe for pets?: It is edible for people. Pets can experience mild vomiting or diarrhea if they eat large amounts, so remove access to piles of trimmings and harvested heads.