Broccoli is an edible plant from the Brassica family, known as a "cole crop," characterized by its large, compact flowering head, thick stalk, and accompanying leaves. It is a cool-weather plant that requires careful monitoring for nutrient levels and disease, and it is harvested before its bud-clusters open and flowers appear.

To plant cole crops, choose a site with full sun and a well-prepared, fertile, moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter, such as compost. Plant small transplants, spacing cabbage and cauliflower about 2 feet apart and broccoli about 1 foot apart. Provide generous irrigation and regular fertilization for rapid growth, and rotate planting locations to prevent diseases.