BROCCOLI ‘Petite’ Vegetable Seeds
Botanical Name: Brassica oleracea (broccoli × kale hybrid)
Important Notice: These seeds have been treated with a fungicide (Thiram). Do not consume the seeds or feed them to animals. Fungicide treatment is required under AQIS regulations for certain seed varieties. This treatment does not affect crop growth or beneficial insects such as bees. We prioritise sourcing untreated seed whenever possible; however, Australian supply is very limited.
- Australian-bred baby broccoli developed for exceptional bunching quality, flavour, and adaptability.
- High-yielding “stem-cut” baby broccoli type with abundant sprouting side shoots after the main head is cut.
- Compact heads with medium-green colour and fine, even beads for a premium market finish.
- Sweet, mild flavour and tender stems—ideal for steaming, stir-fries, roasting, or quick sautés.
- Reliable cool-season performer, suited to late summer through winter plantings across Australia.
- Successive harvests extend the picking window for both home gardeners and commercial growers.
- Specifically selected to thrive under Australian conditions, with strong demand in export markets.
Broccoli ‘Petite’ is a compact, fast-growing baby broccoli variety offering excellent yields and a steady supply of side shoots. Its flavour and stem tenderness make it a popular choice for both fresh-market production and home gardens. For a full overview of broccoli varieties and their seasonal planting windows, see our
Complete Guide to Growing Broccoli Varieties in Australia.
Plant Details
- Type: Annual cool-season vegetable
- Mature Height: 50–70 cm
- Growth Habit: Upright with compact crowns and multiple side shoots
Sowing Information
- Germination: 7–14 days
- Sowing Depth: 1–2 cm
- Position: Full sun to partial shade
- Sow Where: Raise in seed trays for transplanting or sow directly into prepared beds
- Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil (pH 6.0–7.0); enrich with compost prior to sowing
- Spacing: 30–45 cm between plants; 45–60 cm between rows
Growing Tips
- Apply a balanced starter fertiliser at planting; side-dress with nitrogen as buds form.
- Maintain consistent soil moisture for tender stems and steady growth.
- Mulch well to conserve moisture, improve soil structure, and suppress weeds.
- Cut the compact central head early to encourage prolific side shoot production.
Harvest
Ready to harvest in 65 days from sowing (7–8 weeks from transplanting). Harvest the compact central head first, then continue picking side shoots while florets are tight and before flowering begins.
When to Sow Broccoli ‘Petite’ in Your Climate
| Climate Zone | Best Planting Time | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Temperate | Late Jan–June, Aug–Sept | Transplant late summer to autumn for winter harvests; succession sow every 3–4 weeks. |
| Subtropical | March–May, Aug–Sept | Grow in cooler months; use shade protection if warm spells persist. |
| Tropical | Not recommended | Choose heat-tolerant leafy brassicas instead. |
| Cool | Feb–April, Aug–Sept | Shelter seedlings from frost; select a sunny, sheltered site. |
| Arid | March–May | Sow in cooler months; mulch well and water consistently. |