The main production areas for broccoli are in Victoria and SE Queensland. Production has declined since 2005, but now appears to be remaining steady at about 45,000 tonnes per year. The crop is highly temperature-sensitive but there are a large number of varieties that have been bred for specific production environments. Optimal temperature ranges include:

• 21-22C  -  early maturing, hot weather types
• 17-18C  -  transition varieties fr spring and autumn production
• 4-5C   –  cool climate varieties

Broccoli can tolerate temperatures of 30-32C so long as night temperature fall to at least 15C. However, yield may be reduced by up to 45% due to problems including: blindness, brown head, bracting in the head, catseye, uneven floret size, uneven cluster development, loose clusters. Often varieties that will grow in hot weather do not have the best quality.

Low temperatures (4C) can cause development of water soaked areas, purple colours in the head and premature yellowing. Yield may be reduced by 25%.