How to Grow Broccoli Sprouts in Australia
A fast, year-round microgreen you can grow on a windowsill
Growing your own Broccoli Sprouts is one of the more satisfying things you can do in an Australian backyard. They are rated beginner to grow. Saves ~$5-8/punnet. The highest nutrition-per-dollar food you can grow.
This guide covers when to plant Broccoli Sprouts in your region, the position and soil they like, how to start them, day-to-day care, the pests and diseases to watch, and how to harvest and store your crop.
When to Plant in Your Region
Broccoli Sprouts are a year-round crop, fully frost-hardy. In subtropical South-East Queensland they are best grown all year round. Timing shifts with your climate, so choose your region below for a local calendar.
Varieties to Try
Broccoli Sprouting Seed
Specifically sold for sprouting. High germination rate. Untreated seed essential.
Try: Green Harvest, Eden Seeds, health food stores, microgreen suppliers
Position and Soil
Give Broccoli Sprouts part sun to light shade. They do best in free-draining soil with a pH around 6 to 7. Dig through plenty of compost before planting, and mulch to hold moisture and keep weeds down. They grow happily in a pot of Sprouting jar or shallow tray, which makes them a fine choice for balconies and courtyards.
How to Grow It
Broccoli Sprouts are simply seeds sprouted for a few days. Rinse a tablespoon of seed, soak overnight, then spread over a shallow tray or jar and rinse twice a day. Keep them out of direct sun. They are ready to eat in about 7 days, once the first leaves show.
Broccoli seeds sprouted for 5-7 days. Contains 10-100x more sulforaphane than mature broccoli. The most nutrient-dense food you can grow at home. Sprout in a jar or on a tray. Rinse twice daily. Works indoors year-round anywhere in Australia.
Care
Water consistently, roughly 3 L per plant every day in warm weather, less in cool or wet spells. Feed every few weeks through the growing season with a balanced organic fertiliser, and keep mulch topped up.
Pests and Diseases
Keep an eye out for Damping off. The main diseases to watch are Damping off. Good spacing, watering at the base rather than over the leaves, and crop rotation prevent most problems. See our Pest and Disease Guide to identify and fix any issue.
Harvesting and Storage
Broccoli Sprouts are typically ready to harvest in about 7 days. Fridge in a container for 3-5 days. Rinse daily.
In the Kitchen
In the kitchen, broccoli sprouts are good added to sandwiches and wraps, blended into smoothies, topped on salads and grain bowls and used as a nutritious garnish. Nutritionally: extremely high in sulforaphane (cancer-protective compound) and 10-100x more nutrients than mature broccoli.
Track Your Broccoli Sprouts Growing
Add broccoli sprouts to your garden in the Planting Season app and get reminders for planting, care and harvest, tuned to your region.
Open the App →Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Broccoli Sprouts in Australia?
Broccoli Sprouts are a year-round crop. In subtropical regions like South-East Queensland they are best grown all year round. Timing changes with your climate, so use the calendar above for your region.
How long does Broccoli Sprouts take to grow?
Broccoli Sprouts are generally ready to harvest in about 7 days.
Can I grow Broccoli Sprouts in a pot?
Yes. Broccoli Sprouts grow well in a container of Sprouting jar or shallow tray with free-draining mix and regular watering.
How much sun does Broccoli Sprouts need?
Give they part sun to light shade for the healthiest growth and best harvest.
See also: Broccoli Sprouts in the Plant Library
