How do you grow broccolini at home? Broccolini is a broccoli and Chinese broccoli (gai lan) cross grown for tender side shoots. Start seed warm at 75–85°F (24–29°C), grow seedlings near 60°F (16°C), transplant at 3–4 weeks and cut the first central shoot about 50–60 days later. Keep picking side shoots every 2–7 days.
Key takeaway: Broccolini is a cut-and-come-again brassica. Harvest the first shoot early and quickly, feed moderately, keep it cool and pest-free, and one plant gives several weeks of tender stems.
| Broccolini step | Guideline | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Germination temperature | 75–85°F (24–29°C) soil | Johnny’s Selected Seeds |
| After germination | About 60°F (16°C) air | Johnny’s Selected Seeds |
| Ready to transplant | 3–4 weeks | Johnny’s Selected Seeds |
| First central shoot | 50–60 days from transplant | Sakata via Greenhouse Grower |
| Side shoot picking | Every 2–3 days warm, 5–7 days cool | Johnny’s Selected Seeds |
| Feeding (greenhouse) | 150–200 ppm nitrogen, every other watering | Sakata via Greenhouse Grower |
What Is Broccolini?
Broccolini is a cross between European broccoli and Chinese broccoli, also called gai lan or Chinese kale, according to University of Illinois Extension. It is sold as mini broccoli, sprouting broccoli or baby broccoli. Instead of one big head, broccolini produces many slim shoots with small florets, so one plant can be harvested multiple times through the season.
Illinois Extension also notes that baby broccoli is less likely to bolt in hot weather than standard broccoli, which makes it a forgiving choice for home growers. If you prefer full heads, compare our guide to how to grow broccoli hydroponically.
How Do You Start Broccolini From Seed?
Sow two seeds per cell about 1/4 inch (6 mm) deep. Johnny’s Selected Seeds recommends keeping soil at 75–85°F (24–29°C) until germination, then lowering air temperature to about 60°F (16°C) with good airflow and light. Seedlings are ready to transplant in three to four weeks. Thin to the strongest seedling per cell.
- Fill plug trays or rockwool cubes and moisten them.
- Sow 2 seeds per cell, 1/4 in (6 mm) deep.
- Use a heat mat at 75–85°F (24–29°C) until sprouts appear.
- Remove heat and grow seedlings cool, near 60°F (16°C).
- Thin to one seedling and give strong light.
- Transplant at 3–4 weeks into buckets, totes or garden beds.
Seedlings stretch fast in warm, dim rooms. Our leggy seedlings guide explains how to fix light and temperature.
Can You Grow Broccolini Hydroponically?
Yes. Broccolini is a compact brassica, and Sakata says ‘Aspabroc’ requires little growing space. A 5-gallon (19 L) bucket, Dutch bucket or deep water culture tote holds one plant well. Sakata’s greenhouse advice is to feed about every other watering with a balanced calcium and potassium nitrate formula at 150–200 ppm nitrogen, which shows it needs moderate, not heavy, feeding.
Keep the root zone cool and well aerated, since Sakata names Pythium and Rhizoctonia as greenhouse disease risks. A 5-gallon bucket DWC with a strong air stone is an easy start, or compare systems in DWC vs NFT vs Dutch bucket.
When and How Do You Harvest Broccolini?
Cut the first central shoot as soon as it matures, about 50 to 60 days after transplant for ‘Aspabroc,’ according to Sakata. Harvesting it quickly triggers side shoots. Johnny’s recommends cutting stems 4–8 inches (10–20 cm) long before flower buds open, every 2–3 days in warm weather and every 5–7 days in cool weather.
- Cut early: tight green buds taste best.
- Cut often: frequent harvest keeps new shoots coming.
- Expect weeks of shoots: Sakata says plants keep producing for at least four weeks in mild weather.
Johnny’s adds that pinching the first head as soon as it forms can increase side-shoot production for some varieties. Check your seed packet.
What Temperature Is Best for Baby Broccoli?
Broccolini prefers cool weather, like other brassicas, but tolerates heat better than broccoli. Illinois Extension notes that heat spikes make standard broccoli bolt and turn bitter, while baby broccoli is less likely to bolt. Indoors, aim for mild air and avoid hot lights close to the canopy. Outdoors, grow it in spring and fall.
If flower buds open quickly or stems turn woody, the plants are too warm or harvest is late. Cut shoots sooner and improve cooling. Our heat stress and cold stress guide has more tips.
What Pests Attack Baby Broccoli?
Sakata lists aphids, cabbage loopers, whiteflies, stem borers and fungus gnats as the main pests of ‘Aspabroc.’ Johnny’s recommends floating row cover at planting to prevent flea beetle damage, and Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) for cabbage worms. Inspect leaves often, especially undersides, and act before populations build.
- Aphids and whiteflies: wash off and use labeled soaps; see hydroponic pests: aphids and mites.
- Caterpillars: hand-pick and use Bt labeled for vegetables.
- Fungus gnats: let media surfaces dry and use sticky cards.
Sakata also advises irrigating early in the day so leaves dry before night, which reduces disease pressure.
FAQ About Broccolini
Is broccolini the same as broccoli rabe?
No. Broccolini is a broccoli and gai lan cross; broccoli rabe is a different crop.
How many times can you harvest broccolini?
Many. Side shoots keep coming for weeks if cut often.
Does baby broccoli regrow after cutting?
Yes. Cutting the central shoot triggers new side shoots.
Can broccolini grow in summer?
It handles heat better than broccoli, but cool weather still gives the best quality.
How long should baby broccoli stems be?
Harvest them at 4–8 in (10–20 cm), as Johnny’s suggests.
Sources
- University of Illinois Extension — A resilient broccoli alternative: Broccolini
- Johnny’s Selected Seeds — Mini and sprouting broccoli key growing information
- Greenhouse Grower — Growing tips for Sakata Vegetables’ ‘Aspabroc’ broccolini
- Photo credits (Wikimedia Commons, edited with titles): Charred Tenderstem Broccoli – Embers 2024-09-06 by Andy Li (CC0); -2020-10-01 Swede beet seedlings (Brassica napus subsp. Rapifera), Trimingham by Kolforn (Kolforn) I’d appreciate if you could mail me (Kolforn@gmail.com) if you (CC BY-SA 4.0); Starr-091108-9384-Brassica oleracea var botrytis-broccoli in vegetable garden-Olinda-Maui (24693728970) by Forest and Kim Starr (CC BY 3.0 us); Deep water culture by ArcadiYay (CC BY-SA 4.0)