Broccoli - Waltham 29 Seeds - Organic

Broccoli Waltham 29 is prized for its large 4-6" dark blue-green heads and marvelous flavor. It has a reputation as a superfood because it contains a wealth of nutrients and antioxidants that support many aspects of human health. 

Broccoli seeds can be started indoors.

Start seeds inside 8 weeks before the last frost date. Place seeds 1/2" deep in pots with growing mix and place in bright light. After 5 weeks transplant the seedlings 2' apart into enriched garden soil with full sun. Broccoli is a cool-season vegetable that likes daytime temperatures in the 60s and can tolerate light frost and temperatures down to the 20s. 

Seeds take 3-4 months from the time of planting to a broccoli harvest while transplants only take 2-3 months. Unless you start seeds indoors over the winter, it may be difficult to grow a spring broccoli crop from seed, because the weather will warm too quickly. Fall crops are much easier to start from seed directly in the garden. For fall planting, build rows 2' apart and plant broccoli seeds 1" deep and 6" apart. When seedlings are 6" tall thin them to 2' apart.

Broccoli grows quickly and it needs a lot of nutrients. Rich compost will help feed your plants, and they can also benefit from applications of compost tea or from monthly applications of a balanced organic fertilizer. Like other veggies, broccoli needs to be kept evenly moist and water deeply to encourage deep roots. Mulching can help to provide uniform moisture, conserve water, and reduce weeds.  

Each packet contains 50 Organic Broccoli Waltham seeds. Brassica oleracea. Annual. Open-pollinated, heirloom, non-GMO. Harvest in 85 days. $3.00

This packet plants a 24' row with 12 plants. 

Broccoli crowns, stems, and leaves are edible.

The broccoli we eat consists of the tight buds of broccoli flowers that are harvested when they are still green and tight. When the main crown is mature simply cut it off at a slant with 5" of the stem. Let the plant continue to grow and develop many edible side shoots. Broccoli seeds that are planted in early spring for the main harvest, can be left to grow over the summer. They will provide a second harvest in the fall or plant more seeds in late summer.

Features.

Broccoli is one of the most nutritious vegetables because it is packed with numerous vitamins and minerals. It also contains sulforaphane, a compound thought to prevent cancer by helping to stimulate the body's detoxifying enzymes. 

It can be eaten raw or lightly steamed for the most nutritional impact. When broccoli is roasted or grilled it tastes delicious and is another great way to eat this vegetable.