This heirloom, which was enjoyed by Thomas Jefferson, is noted for its cold tolerance, large blue-green main heads, and proliferation of side shoots. Seeds or packs of 6 live plants are also available directly from. Packets of 400 seeds are available via Amazon. These will reach maturity in about 70 days. Known for its delicious flavor, ‘Sun King’ will produce blue-green heads of 6-8 inches in diameter, with plenty of side shoots. This cultivar is a Burpee exclusive that is known for its heat tolerance, and it can be grown successfully in Zones 1-11. Romanesco seeds are available from Burpee in packages of 320.įind more tips on growing Romanesco here. With a gorgeous texture like sea coral, it’s no surprise that this kind has an equally interesting flavor, best described as “nutty.” What a conversation piece for both the veggie garden and the dinner table! Start seeds indoors and get them into the ground ASAP in early spring, or sow in late fall, but avoid midsummer heat. Grow it in Zones 3-10, but beware – it bolts at the slightest hint of high temps. This ancient Italian heirloom boasts unique chartreuse pointed spiral florets. Heirloom ‘Purple Sprouting’ seeds are available from Eden Brothers in package sizes ranging from 1 ounce to 1 pound. Also, don’t be surprised when the purple turns to green during cooking! Like the broccoli “cousins” we’ll discuss shortly, you may serve the florets with leaves and stems attached, as all are quite tender. Its ability to “winter over” and come up in early spring is a noteworthy feature. In areas without particularly steamy summers or harsh winters, you may be able to plant in early spring, midsummer, and early fall, for three successive harvest periods. ‘Purple Sprouting’ is suitable for Zones 2-11. This is a very cold-hardy heirloom that produces multiple small, purplish florets on each plant instead of a single large head. ‘Green Magic’ is available on Amazon from David’s Garden Seeds in packages of 100 seeds. Expect the first mature heads in approximately 60 days.
It has been cultivated to achieve excellent heat tolerance for southern regions, as well as smooth, “well-domed,” medium-sized heads.īlue-green in color, this type is said to have a unique buttery flavor. ‘Green Magic’ is a hybrid that grows best in Zones 3-9. It’s a fast grower that matures in 60-65 days.īurpee sells packets of 100 seeds as well as live plants. ‘Eastern Magic’ also remarkably heat tolerant, allowing those in the colder regions to extend their growing season into the summer. It produces very large blue-green crowns with superb flavor. This hybrid was tailored for the colder northeastern regions of the US and Canada, and does well in both the spring and the fall. ‘DiCicco’ seeds are available from True Leaf Market in packages of various sizes. This means that plants will produce heads at different rates, which is nice for a home garden.Įxpect to see your first mature heads in as little as 50 days, with more to follow from energetic side shoots. This is an Italian heirloom suited to Zones 3-10 that produces small to medium blue-green heads of non-uniform maturity.
‘Destiny’ seeds are available from True Leaf Market in quantities of 15 or 1000. It produces small to medium green heads tinged with purple in 70 to 75 days. ‘Destiny’ is a hybrid that has been bred for exceptional heat tolerance in Zones 7-11. They are packaged for immediate use or long-term storage. ‘Calabrese’ seeds are available from Eden Brothers in packages of 500 seeds, 1 ounce, 1/4 pound, or 1 pound. This variety matures in about 65 days and is renowned for its prolific sprouting side shoots following the first harvest. It’s an old Italian type that produces medium to large green heads. ‘Calabrese’ is an heirloom variety, and a prime selection for Zones 3-10. Packages of 20 seeds are available on Amazon. With six-inch blue-green heads that reach maturity in about 65 days, this crop can be grown for harvest in both the spring and the fall.Ĭompact and heat-tolerant, this variety is also known for good production of side shoots after the initial crowns are picked. ‘Belstar’ is a hybrid variety that is known for growing well in the South in the winter. You can also start broccoli seeds earlier in grow pots to get a jump on planting.Īfter you meet these stellar plants, we have three interesting broccoli “cousins” to tell you about, so read on! 1.
Please note that the number of days to maturity are approximations and apply best to spring harvests. Here are ten choice cultivars to sow in your garden this year. Our Favorite Broccoli Cultivars for Home Growersġ0 Outstanding Heading Broccoli Varieties