Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica)

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Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica)

Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) Datasheet

  1. Common Name: Broccoli

  2. Scientific Name: Brassica oleracea var. italica

  3. Family: Brassicaceae

  4. Origin: Domesticated in Italy over 2,000 years ago; descended from wild cabbage in Atlantic coastal Europe

  5. Zone Hardiness: USDA Zones 3–9; frost-tolerant cool-season annual or biennial

  6. Light Requirements: Full sun; grows best at 65–75 °F; high light for tight heads

  7. Water Needs: Moderate to high; maintain even moisture, about 0.8 cups every 9 days in moderate pot conditions

  8. Soil Preferences: Fertile, well-drained loam; pH 6.0–7.5

  9. "Ponics" Compatibility:
     • Aquaponics: Compatible
     • Aeroponics: Compatible
     • Hydroponics: Compatible – media beds or containers preferred
     • Preferred Method: DWC/NFT systems for side shoot production

  10. Growth Habit: Upright, branching annual/biennial forming a central head, then side shoots

  11. Height & Spread: 2–3 ft tall; 18–24 in spread

  12. Time from Germination to Harvest: 50–90 days for main head; side shoots continue for weeks

  13. Flowering Time: Head forms before maturity; if delayed, florets open yellow; then seeds form July–September

  14. Edible Parts: Compact flower buds (head), side shoots, leaves, and stalks

  15. Medicinal Uses: High in vitamin C, K, sulforaphane, glucosinolates—linked to anti-inflammatory and anticancer benefits

  16. Companion Plants: Strawberries, herbs; attracts pollinators post-bloom

  17. Pest & Disease Resistance: Susceptible to cabbage looper, aphids, clubroot, black rot, downy mildew, fungal diseases; use crop rotation and drainage

  18. Harvest Time: Cut main head before buds loosen; then harvest side shoots over 2–4 weeks

  19. Propagation Methods: Start indoors or direct sow ¼–½″ deep; transplant 12–24″ apart; germination in 5–10 days

  20. Sustainability Features: Dual harvest (main head + side shoots); fits crop rotations; seeds from pods; nutritious biomass leftovers

  21. Culinary Uses: Broccoli florets steamed, roasted, raw in salads; leaves/stalks sautéed; side shoots stir-fried

  22. Fun Fact: The word “broccoli” derives from Italian broccolo meaning “cabbage sprout”

Calabrese
Flavor Profile: Classic, slightly peppery and earthy.
Culinary Uses: Steamed, sautéed, roasted, or used in stir-fries and soups.
Notes: Heirloom variety from Italy; produces large central head with numerous side shoots.
Planting Tip: Sow in early spring or late summer for fall harvest.
Days to Maturity: 60–90 days

Green Magic
Flavor Profile: Mild and slightly sweet.
Culinary Uses: Fresh or cooked; excellent for freezing.
Notes: Heat-tolerant hybrid; uniform dome-shaped heads; ideal for warmer climates.
Planting Tip: Best for spring planting; keep evenly watered.
Days to Maturity: 57–65 days

Waltham 29
Flavor Profile: Rich and robust.
Culinary Uses: Steamed, stir-fried, and great for home freezing.
Notes: Cold-hardy heirloom; compact plants with excellent side-shoot production.
Planting Tip: Ideal for fall planting; handles frost well.
Days to Maturity: 74–85 days

De Cicco
Flavor Profile: Tender with mild bitterness.
Culinary Uses: Baby heads and florets for sautéing, pasta, and salads.
Notes: Italian heirloom; smaller central head with abundant side shoots over time.
Planting Tip: Succession sow every 2–3 weeks for continuous harvest.
Days to Maturity: 48–65 days

Belstar
Flavor Profile: Mild and nutty.
Culinary Uses: Great fresh or steamed; freezes well.
Notes: Organic hybrid; compact, well-domed heads with reliable performance.
Planting Tip: Works well in spring and fall; tolerates moderate heat.
Days to Maturity: 65–70 days

Fiesta
Flavor Profile: Sweet with dense texture.
Culinary Uses: Uniform florets ideal for market bunching and processing.
Notes: Firm heads resist purpling and hold well in the field.
Planting Tip: Best for late summer planting.
Days to Maturity: 70–80 days

Packman
Flavor Profile: Tender and sweet.
Culinary Uses: Quick steamer or stir-fry choice.
Notes: Early-maturing hybrid; great for rapid harvest cycles.
Planting Tip: Best for spring planting; avoid heat stress.
Days to Maturity: 50–55 days

Sprouting Broccoli (Purple Sprouting)
Flavor Profile: Stronger and earthier than standard broccoli.
Culinary Uses: Roasted, sautéed, or eaten raw.
Notes: Multiple small purple heads; extremely cold hardy.
Planting Tip: Plant midsummer for overwintering and spring harvest.
Days to Maturity: 120–150 days

🥦 Broccoli Cultivar Comparison Table

Variety Type Habit Head Size Best Use Days to Maturity
Calabrese Heirloom Central + side Large central General cooking 60–90
Green Magic Hybrid Compact uniform Dome-shaped Fresh & freezing 57–65
Waltham 29 Heirloom Cold-hardy bush Medium-large Fall/winter harvest 74–85
De Cicco Heirloom Bushy Small central Continuous shoots 48–65
Belstar Hybrid (organic) Compact Dense domes Fresh & freezing 65–70
Fiesta Hybrid Upright Uniform firm Market/bulk 70–80
Packman Hybrid Fast-growing Medium domes Quick harvests 50–55
Sprouting (Purple) Specialty Multi-stalked Many small heads Spring harvest 120–150

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Lesson tags: Belstar broccoli, Brassica oleracea, broccoli, Calabrese, cold hardy crops, companion planting, cool season vegetables, cruciferous vegetables, De Cicco, edible greens, fall crops, Fiesta broccoli, garden to table, Green Magic, heirloom broccoli, homegrown produce, hybrid broccoli, nutrient dense foods, organic gardening, Packman broccoli, spring vegetables, sprouting broccoli, succession planting, vegetable gardening, Waltham 29
Back to: UpRooted Greens Daily Sprout Plant Database