Will Broccoli Grow Back Next Year? How to Get Your Broccoli to Regenerate

Broccoli is a cool-season vegetable that most gardeners grow as an annual crop. The plant produces one large central head and then bolts and goes to seed. But did you know that with the right variety and care, broccoli can come back year after year? Here’s an overview of how to get your broccoli to grow back next year.

Choosing the Right Broccoli Variety

The first step is selecting a broccoli variety optimized for perennial growth. Most hybrid broccoli varieties are bred for high yields in one season. For repeat harvests look for open-pollinated heirloom varieties instead. Some good options include

• Waltham broccoli – an heirloom variety that produces plenty of side shoots after harvesting the main head

• Nine Star Perennial broccoli – bred specifically for perennial production in cold climates.

• Sprouting broccolis – produce many small heads instead of one large central head.

• Calabrese broccoli – easily reseeds itself for years of harvests.

Proper Cutting Techniques

With the right variety, proper harvesting and cutting techniques can encourage regrowth. Here are some tips:

• Cut the primary central head just above lateral buds to promote side shoot growth.

• Angle the cut to maximize the number of buds exposed.

• Leave about 5 inches of stem attached to preserve energy.

• Allow multiple side shoots to develop before harvesting.

• Cut side shoots above leaf joints for continuous regrowth.

Optimal Growing Conditions

To maximize broccoli’s perennial potential, provide optimal growing conditions:

• Sunlight – Broccoli needs at least 6 hours of direct sun daily.

• Soil – Well-draining, nutrient-rich soil keeps plants robust.

• Water – Consistent moisture is key, especially after cutting heads.

• Temperature – Cool weather (60-75°F) results in best flavor.

• Fertilizer – Use a balanced organic fertilizer every 4-6 weeks.

Overwintering Your Broccoli

In cold climates, overwintering broccoli plants is key to get them to produce year after year. There are a few approaches to overwintering:

• Heavily mulch plants in fall and remove mulch in spring.

• Cover with a cold frame or low tunnel over winter.

• Transplant into containers and overwinter indoors.

• Allow shoots to root in fall; new shoots emerge in spring.

What to Expect from Regenerating Broccoli

If cared for properly, broccoli can continue producing for 3-5 years. However, yields and head size tend to decrease each year. Expect:

• Year 1 – One large central head and many robust side shoots
• Year 2 – Numerous small-medium tender heads
• Year 3+ – Primarily small heads and shoots

The flavor of side shoots and later year harvests remains excellent, though. Overall, perennial broccoli delivers a lengthy, if smaller, fresh harvest.

Troubleshooting Poor Regrowth

If your broccoli isn’t regenerating well, a few issues could be to blame:

• Overharvesting – Cutting back too severely or harvesting too many shoots can deplete the plant’s energy.

• Incorrect cutting – Not cutting properly can hinder regrowth. Leave some stem and shoot bases intact.

• Weather – Extreme summer or winter temperatures can stress plants. Ensure adequate care.

• Poor care – Lack of sunlight, water, nutrition or pest management can limit regeneration.

• Age – After 3-5 years, yields diminish as the plant ages. Start fresh plants.

Enjoying Perpetual Broccoli Harvests

With the right variety, care, and cutting technique, it’s possible to get self-perpetuating broccoli harvests year after year. While not necessarily practical for large-scale production, perennial broccoli is a fun endeavor for home gardeners who love fresh-picked flavor. Give it a try in your own garden!

Frequency of Entities:
broccoli: 21
perennial: 8
side shoots: 5
overwinter: 4
harvest: 7
regrow: 5
cut: 7