How to Grow Broccoli in New Zealand
Updated June 2026
Get seedlings in from late summer through autumn for the main crop. After the central head is cut, side shoots keep producing for weeks. Cover plants to keep white butterfly caterpillars off.
What it looks like as it grows
When to plant broccoli in New Zealand
Timing is everything in New Zealand, where the warm north and the cooler south are weeks apart. Sow or plant in these months for your region:
| Region | When to sow or plant |
|---|---|
| Northland | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Auckland | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Waikato & BoP | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Wellington | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Nelson & Marlborough | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Canterbury | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Otago & Southland | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Central Otago | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
Best broccoli varieties for NZ
- Summer Green F1, Reliable summer-cropping hybrid with a large central head. (Kings Seeds)
- Winter Green F1, Cold-hardy hybrid for over-wintering and late harvests. (Kings Seeds)
- Sprouting Winter Rudolph, Purple sprouting broccoli with masses of tender side shoots. (Kings Seeds, Egmont Seeds)
How to grow broccoli
- Space plants about 45cm apart.
- Sow seed around 1cm deep.
- Position: full sun.
- Ready to harvest in roughly 90 days.
- Seeds germinate in about 8 days.
Companion planting
Grow broccoli near: Beetroot, Onion, Celery, Dill, Rosemary, Sage, Chamomile, Nasturtium.
Pests and problems
Watch for: White butterfly, Aphids, Diamondback moth. See our NZ pest and disease guide for organic control.
When it goes wrong
The most common ways broccoli trips people up, and what to change next time:
Tiny heads that open early
Buttoning, from stress such as cold, dryness, or being pot-bound too long. Keep growth steady with water and feed, and plant out before seedlings get cramped.
Leaves riddled with holes
White butterfly caterpillars. Net the plants or check under the leaves and squash the eggs and grubs.
Plant bolts straight to flower
Sown at the wrong time or heat-stressed. Time it for the cooler seasons in your region.
🌱 Plant Broccoli in your garden →FAQ
When is the best time to plant broccoli in New Zealand?
In the warm north (Auckland, Northland) sow in January, February, March, April, August, September, October. Cooler regions plant a little later. Check the table above for your region.
Where can I buy broccoli seeds or plants in NZ?
Try Kings Seeds, Egmont Seeds.