Broccoli

• Waltham Broccoli (Brassica oleracea 'Waltham')

Sun Requirements: Full Sun

Water Requirements: Moderate

Height: 18-24 inches

Harvest Time: 60-90 days

Description: Waltham Broccoli is a popular heirloom variety with tight, blue-green heads and abundant side shoots. It is known for its excellent flavor and is ideal for fresh eating, steaming, or freezing. This broccoli variety is cold-hardy and reliable for home gardens.

Planting Tips:

• Plant in well-drained, fertile soil.
• Space plants 18-24 inches apart in rows 24-36 inches apart.
• Provide consistent moisture and mulch to retain soil moisture.

Ideal Season for Planting in Texas: Fall or Early Spring

Nativity to Texas: No

• Packman Broccoli (Brassica oleracea 'Packman')

Sun Requirements: Full Sun

Water Requirements: Moderate

Height: 18-24 inches

Harvest Time: 55-75 days

Description: Packman Broccoli is a hybrid variety known for its large, domed heads and uniform maturity. It has a mild, sweet flavor and is excellent for fresh eating, stir-fries, or steaming. This broccoli variety is heat-tolerant and productive.

Planting Tips:

• Plant in well-drained, fertile soil.
• Space plants 18-24 inches apart in rows 24-36 inches apart.
• Keep soil consistently moist and apply fertilizer during growth.

Ideal Season for Planting in Texas: Fall or Early Spring

Nativity to Texas: No

• Marathon Broccoli (Brassica oleracea 'Marathon')

Sun Requirements: Full Sun

Water Requirements: Moderate

Height: 18-24 inches

Harvest Time: 60-75 days

Description: Marathon Broccoli is a reliable hybrid variety with large, deep green heads and good heat tolerance. It has a sweet, nutty flavor and is perfect for fresh eating, steaming, or stir-fries. This broccoli variety produces well in diverse climates.

Planting Tips:

• Plant in well-drained, fertile soil.
• Space plants 18-24 inches apart in rows 24-36 inches apart.
• Maintain consistent moisture and provide adequate nutrients for optimal growth.

Ideal Season for Planting in Texas: Fall or Early Spring

Nativity to Texas: No

• Belstar Broccoli (Brassica oleracea 'Belstar')

Sun Requirements: Full Sun

Water Requirements: Moderate

Height: 18-24 inches

Harvest Time: 60-70 days

Description: Belstar Broccoli is a versatile hybrid variety with medium-sized, dark green heads and tender stems. It has a mild, slightly sweet flavor and is excellent for fresh eating, steaming, or stir-fries. This broccoli variety is disease-resistant and productive.

Planting Tips:

• Plant in well-drained, fertile soil.
• Space plants 18-24 inches apart in rows 24-36 inches apart.
• Provide consistent moisture and fertilize during growth stages.

Ideal Season for Planting in Texas: Fall or Early Spring

Nativity to Texas: No

• Calabrese Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica 'Calabrese')

Sun Requirements: Full Sun

Water Requirements: Moderate; prefers consistent moisture

Height: 18–30 inches

Harvest Time: 60–90 days

Description:
Calabrese Broccoli is a classic Italian heirloom variety originating from Calabria, Italy, and is the parent of many modern broccoli cultivars. It produces large, tight green heads followed by numerous side shoots after the main harvest, extending the production season. Known for its sweet, mild flavor and high nutritional value, Calabrese is ideal for fresh eating, steaming, or freezing. It performs well in Texas’ cool seasons and tolerates light frost.

Planting Tips:

• Plant in fertile, well-drained soil enriched with compost.

• Space 18–24 inches apart in rows 2–3 feet apart.

• Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy.

• Harvest the central head before flowers open to encourage side shoot growth.

Ideal Season for Planting in Texas: Fall or Early Spring

Nativity to Texas: No

• Romanesco Broccoli (Brassica oleracea 'Romanesco')

Sun Requirements: Full Sun

Water Requirements: Moderate

Height: 18-24 inches

Harvest Time: 75-100 days

Description: Romanesco Broccoli is an heirloom variety known for its striking fractal-like heads with spiraling, lime-green florets. It has a mild, nutty flavor and is prized for its unique appearance in salads or as a cooked vegetable. This broccoli variety requires consistent moisture and cool temperatures to thrive.

Planting Tips:

• Plant in well-drained, fertile soil.
• Space plants 18-24 inches apart in rows 24-36 inches apart.
• Mulch to retain soil moisture and protect roots.

Ideal Season for Planting in Texas: Fall or Early Spring

Nativity to Texas: No