Broccoli
Broccoli
Waltham is great Broccoli for cool climates that produce good medium-sized heads and a great harvest! Plants are heterogeneous in maturity, resulting in a prolonged harvest period, ideal for a home garden. Waltham's tasty Broccoli is easy to grow, ripens in 85 days, and reaches 4-8″.Waltham 29 broccoli seeds are named after Waltham, Massachusetts, where researchers at the University of Massachusetts developed it in 1950. The seeds were first grown in the wild in the Mediterranean region and Asia Minor. Then, gradually spread throughout Europe and the New World. The Italians called it "Italian Asparagus". After World War I, Italian brothers Stefano and Andrea D'Arrigo brought their Sicilian Broccoli and grew it in San Jose, California.
As with other annual cabbages, Broccoli requires very similar growing and harvesting conditions.
How to grow Broccoli from seeds:
- Sowing: Plant broccoli indoors 5-6 weeks before the last expected frost for a quick harvest. Plant the seedlings 1-2 feet apart in rows 2-3 feet apart when they are about 6" tall. Direct sowing involves planting 1" deep and 3" apart in full sun and rich soil, abоut 2-3 weeks before the last spring frost. Seeds germinate at temperatures up to 40 degrees F. For fall harvest, sow seeds in late July or August. It is recommended to plant Broccoli next to herbs, potatoes, or onions and avoid growing next to tomatoes or pole beans.
- Plant Spacing: 10–18″.
- Growing of Broccoli: Young plants need constant watering and weed-free soil. А layer of mulch can help to prevent it, and also regulates the temperature of the soil. Sometimes fertilization or compost is needed. In freezing temperatures at night, cover the plants. If they get too heavy as they grow, rely on support.
- Broccoli Soil Requirements for: Keep soil evenly moist and soil temperature 75–80 ° F (24–27°C) until germination, then air temperature should be about 60 ° F (16°C). Provide good air circulation and light. Transplant outdoors, 10-18 "apart, in rows 18-36" apart. Broccoli prefers lower growing temperatures, 55 to 75 ° F (13-24°C), optimal at 60-70 ° F (16-21°C), but yields good in warmer summer conditions.
- Broccoli Seeds Days to Germination: 10-21 days.
- Light Preference of Broccoli: Full Sun.
- Life Cycle of Broccoli: Annual.
- How and When to Harvest Broccoli: Collect the main heads while they are taut and until the tiny buds are open. Cut at least 6 inches from the stem. Side shoots will continue to develop along the stem and can be harvested as well. The plant will grow all the time as long as the weather conditions are favorable.
- Broccoli Days to Maturity: 85-100 days.
- Broccoli's Seed Saving: Waltham 29 broccoli produces seeds after the growing season. Sometimes it is necessary to dig up the plants for the winter or mulch them well. To prevent cross-pollination with other cabbage family members, such as cauliflower, isolation of at least 1/4 mile is recommended. Whеn the flowers are in full bloom, let the pods dry, then carefully remove them from the plant. Separate the seeds from the pods. Store in a cоol, dry place for up to five years.
FAST FACTS:
- Common Names: Broccoli
- Latin Name: Brassica oleracea
- Species Origin: Mediterranean
- Type: Open Pollinated, Heirloom, Cool Season
- Life Cycle: Annual
- USDA Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
- Seeds per Ounce: 4,000
- Sunlight: Full Sun
- Height: 20 Inches
- Color: Green
- Uses: Culinary
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