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.