Belstar
An organic hybrid, Belstar broccoli is ideal for spring or summer planting. It's stress-tolerant and produces a large central head, along with numerous smaller side shoots.
1. Calabrese
Known as American or Italian broccoli, Calabrese is a fast-growing and easy-to-grow variety. It produces bluish-green heads and can be harvested in either summer or autumn, depending on the planting time.
2. Destiny
Destiny is a heat-tolerant variety that's a good source of Vitamins A and C. This mid-early, compact variety features medium-small green beads and a smooth dome shape. It's suited for fall harvest when planted in summer.
3. DiCicco
An old-fashioned variety, DiCicco is sweet and often considered the ancestor of larger broccoli heads. The entire plant, including stems and leaves, is edible, making it versatile for cooking.
4. Eastern Magic
A super-producer variety bred for the northeast US and Canada, Eastern Magic produces a blue-green crown with a tangy, nutty, buttery flavor. It's known for being a strong performer in colder climates.
5. Green Magic
This hybrid heading broccoli matures in around 60 days from transplanting. It produces large, densely-packed heads and is perfect for abundant harvests during warm spring temperatures.
6. Purple Sprouting
This hardy variety can tolerate temperatures as low as -12C and is sown in March to be harvested in early winter or from April to mid-June for a harvest between January and May. It thrives in heavy, alkaline soils.
7. Romanesco
Romanesco broccoli is unique due to its chartreuse color and distinctive fractal-like appearance. It's an edible flower bud from the Brassica oleracea species, known for its visually striking form.
8. Sun King
Famous for its heat tolerance and delicious flavor, Sun King produces blue-green heads about 6-8 inches in diameter, with several side shoots. It reaches maturity in around 70 days.
9. Waltham 29
Developed to withstand colder temperatures, Waltham 29 is perfect for the Pacific Northwest and East Coast. The plants grow up to 20 inches tall, producing medium to large blue-green heads on long stalks.
