Be sure to check out our Broccoli Growing Guide for more tips & tricks on successfully growing broccoli at home. Waltham 29 Broccoli is an heirloom, open-pollinated broccoli variety that was introduced in 1954. This tried and true variety is known for it's cold-tolerance when grown in the fall and into winter. Compact plants produce blue-green broccoli heads that average 4-6" in diameter. However, the production doesn't stop after the main head or crown is harvested. Waltham also produces a significant amount of side shoots for second and third harvests. The heads have long stalks for additional production. This is a great variety for fresh-eating or freezing to preserve the harvest. We recommend growing this variety in cooler seasons, as it does not have a high tolerance for heat. Broccoli may be direct-seeded, but it performs best when transplanted. Transplanting allows for more consistent plant spacing, and prevents broccoli seedlings from competing with weeds in the early stages of the plant. We recommend starting transplants 3-4 weeks before the desired outdoor planting date. Broccoli transplants grow great in our heavy-duty seed starting trays, where they develop a solid root ball with roots that are trained to grow downward. Plants are ready to go in the ground when they can be easily pulled from the cells in the seed starting tray. Broccoli crowns should be harvested when they are dark green, before any flowers or Seeds develop on the crowns. As temperatures warm in the spring, broccoli crowns will mature faster and should be monitored. Although broccoli leaves are frost-tolerant, broccoli heads are not. If frost is imminent while crowns are developing, be sure to use some form of row cover to protect the crowns from frost. Broccoli will usually store in the refrigerator in a perforated bag for up to a week.
Related
Related
Related
Related