This crop requires cool weather, but temperatures below 4⁰C will cause chilling injury, and initiate premature flower development. Broccoli plants are sensitive to soil compaction that decrease oxygen and water availability to the roots. It does best on a well-drained, loam soil, rich with organic matter. Raised planting-beds are a good solution, because they improve soil drainage, and allow access to the crop without causing soil compaction.  A soil pH between 6.5-6.8 is ideal for maximum yields, however pH over 6.8 is preferable where club-root disease prevails. Broccoli is a heavy potassium feeder, since it requires almost double the amount of this element as compared to nitrogen.