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Broccology™ - Urban Farmer's Guide


Home > Gardener's Guide > Broccology

Broccology
Broccoli (Brassica oleracea) is one of the easiest crops to grow in a garden. Modern broccoli varieties have been bread to produce one large main head. This head is simply a tight cluster of flower buds. After the main head is removed from the plant, multiple side branches and mini heads form along the plant. In most locations, these side branches will continue to form until the plant is killed by frost.

Choosing the right broccoli variety for your home garden depends on where you live and what you plan to do with the crop. Broccoli loves cooler weather as warm weather makes the heads flower quickly and results in a bitter taste. Gardeners in warmer climates should choose varieties that withstand heat or mature early, before the summer heat kicks in. If you plan to stock up for the winter by freezing broccoli heads, choose a variety with large heads that mature at the same time.

Early Mature: A great early maturing broccoli is the 'Green Sprouting Calabrese' that produces compact dark green heads, with many lateral heads over a long season. Good in short seasons with cool nights. Matures in 55-80 days.