Step-by-Step Growing Guide
Broccolini (Asparation — a trademark cross of Brassica oleracea and B. alboglabra) thrives in cool weather with fertile, well-drained soil and a pH of 6.0–7.0. Prepare beds with generous compost — broccolini is a heavy nitrogen feeder. Start seeds indoors 4–6 weeks before transplant, or direct sow outdoors when soil temperature is 45–85°F. Transplant 12–18 inches apart in rows 18–24 inches apart. Plant at the same depth as the seedling cell. Water consistently, 1–1.5 inches per week, as moisture stress causes bolting. Apply a high-nitrogen fertilizer every 3–4 weeks throughout the growing season. Unlike regular broccoli, broccolini does not produce a large central head — instead, it continuously produces slender stems topped with small florets over many weeks. Harvest the central stem when 8–10 inches long and florets are tight; side shoots will continue to emerge from the same plant for weeks. Spring and fall plantings outperform summer plantings significantly.