Top 20 Varieties of Broccoli to Grow: Tips, Advice, and Facts

Broccoli is a nutritious and versatile vegetable, popular in home gardens for its tender florets and sweet, earthy flavor. Whether roasted, steamed, or added to salads and stir-fries, broccoli is a delicious addition to a variety of dishes. It’s a cool-season crop that grows best in spring and fall, thriving in mild temperatures. With different varieties offering unique growth patterns, from classic heads to sprouting types, broccoli is an easy-to-grow vegetable with a rewarding harvest. Here’s your guide to the top 20 broccoli varieties to grow, along with tips, facts, and answers to common questions.

Top 20 Broccoli Varieties to Grow

1. Calabrese

• Tips: Calabrese thrives in cool weather and full sun. Plant seeds in early spring or late summer for a fall harvest.
• Facts: This traditional Italian variety produces large, green heads with a mild, sweet flavor. It also offers a secondary harvest of smaller side shoots.

2. Green Magic

• Tips: Green Magic prefers full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Water regularly to keep the heads tender.
• Facts: This hybrid variety produces smooth, medium-sized heads with a sweet flavor. It’s heat-tolerant and great for late spring or early fall planting.

3. Waltham 29

• Tips: Waltham 29 grows best in cool weather and well-drained soil. Sow seeds in early spring or late summer.
• Facts: An heirloom variety, Waltham 29 produces large, bluish-green heads with excellent flavor. It’s known for its cold tolerance and long harvest window.

4. Di Ciccio

• Tips: Di Ciccio thrives in full sun and cool weather. Water consistently to encourage healthy growth.
• Facts: This Italian heirloom variety produces small to medium heads and abundant side shoots. It’s ideal for continuous harvests over a long season.

5. Sprouting Broccoli

• Tips: Plant sprouting broccoli in the fall for an early spring harvest. It grows best in cool climates and well-drained soil.
• Facts: This variety produces small, tender florets on long stems. It’s perfect for steaming, sautéing, or adding to salads.

6. Purple Sprouting

• Tips: Purple Sprouting prefers cool weather and rich soil. Plant in late summer for a spring harvest.
• Facts: This variety produces beautiful purple florets that turn green when cooked. It’s known for its long growing season and delicious flavor.

7. Sun King

• Tips: Sun King grows well in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Water regularly to prevent bolting.
• Facts: This heat-tolerant variety produces large, tight heads with a sweet, mild flavor. It’s perfect for summer planting in warmer climates.

8. Arcadia

• Tips: Arcadia thrives in cool weather and full sun. Plant in early spring or late summer for the best results.
• Facts: This cold-tolerant variety produces large, dense heads and abundant side shoots. It’s great for fresh eating, steaming, or freezing.

9. Belstar

• Tips: Belstar grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. Water consistently to keep the heads firm and tender.
• Facts: A hybrid variety, Belstar produces uniform, medium-sized heads with a mild, sweet flavor. It’s ideal for spring and summer planting.

10. Fiesta

• Tips: Fiesta broccoli prefers cool weather and rich soil. Plant in early spring or late summer for the best harvest.
• Facts: This hybrid variety produces dense, green heads with a rich, slightly nutty flavor. It’s known for its heat and cold tolerance.

11. Romanesco

• Tips: Romanesco grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. Water regularly to ensure even growth.
• Facts: Known for its stunning, spiraled heads, Romanesco has a mild, nutty flavor. It’s perfect for steaming, roasting, or adding to salads.

12. Santee

• Tips: Santee thrives in cool weather and fertile soil. Plant in late summer for a fall or winter harvest.
• Facts: This variety produces small purple florets on long stems. It’s perfect for stir-fries, soups, or fresh salads.

13. Marathon

• Tips: Marathon broccoli prefers cool weather and full sun. Plant in early spring or fall for the best yields.
• Facts: This cold-hardy variety produces large, dense heads with a sweet flavor. It’s ideal for winter harvesting in milder climates.

14. Atlantis

• Tips: Atlantis grows best in full sun and rich, moist soil. Water consistently to keep the heads tender.
• Facts: Known for its tender side shoots, Atlantis is perfect for continuous harvests. It’s great for fresh eating or adding to stir-fries.

15. Blue Wind

• Tips: Blue Wind thrives in cool weather and well-drained soil. Plant in early spring or late summer for the best results.
• Facts: This early-maturing variety produces medium-sized heads with tender, flavorful florets. It’s perfect for fresh eating, steaming, or freezing.

16. Green Goliath

• Tips: Green Goliath prefers full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Water regularly to promote large, tender heads.
• Facts: This heat-tolerant variety produces large, dark green heads and abundant side shoots. It’s great for warm climates and extended harvests.

17. Rudolph

• Tips: Rudolph broccoli grows best in cool weather with regular watering. Plant in late summer for a winter harvest.
• Facts: This sprouting variety produces small, tender florets and thrives in cold conditions. It’s perfect for adding to stir-fries or steaming.

18. Castle Dome

• Tips: Castle Dome thrives in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Plant in early spring or late summer for a fall harvest.
• Facts: Known for its tight, firm heads, Castle Dome is a high-yielding variety with excellent flavor. It’s ideal for fresh eating, cooking, or freezing.

19. Imperial

• Tips: Imperial grows best in full sun and moist, well-drained soil. Water consistently to prevent bolting in warm weather.
• Facts: This heat-tolerant variety produces large, smooth heads with a sweet, mild flavor. It’s great for summer planting in warmer climates.

20. Aspabroc (Broccolini)

• Tips: Aspabroc thrives in full sun and rich soil. Water regularly and harvest the tender shoots as they appear.
• Facts: Also known as Broccolini, this variety produces long, tender shoots with small heads. It has a mild, sweet flavor and is perfect for sautéing, grilling, or adding to salads.

Common Questions About Growing Broccoli

Q: When should I plant broccoli?
A: Broccoli is a cool-season crop and should be planted in early spring or late summer for fall and winter harvests. The ideal temperature range for growing broccoli is between 60-70°F (15-21°C).

Q: Can I grow broccoli in containers?
A: Yes, broccoli can be grown in containers as long as the pots are at least 12-18 inches deep and wide. Use a rich, well-drained potting mix and place the containers in a sunny location.

Q: How long does broccoli take to grow?
A: Broccoli typically takes 60-90 days to mature, depending on the variety and growing conditions. Some early-maturing varieties may be ready in as little as 50 days.

Q: How do I know when to harvest broccoli?
A: Broccoli is ready to harvest when the heads are firm and tight, and before the florets start to open and yellow. Cut the main head off with about 6 inches of stem, and leave the plant to produce side shoots for an extended harvest.

Q: How do I store harvested broccoli?
A: Freshly harvested broccoli can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, you can blanch and freeze the florets, which will keep them fresh for several months.

⭐ Recommended Products — Garden & Allotment Essentials for March

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