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Broccoli raab (40-60 days to maturity*) Not a true broccoli, this crop quickly produces spicy stalks and flower buds from seed sown directly in spring or fall.
'De Cicco'(48-65 days) This early-maturing, open-pollinated European heirloom produces small heads and abundant sideshoots ideal for freezing. It is less uniform but also more productive than most hybrids and may be planted in spring or fall.
'Green Goliath'(55 days) Developed especially for home gardens, this open-pollinated variety produces reliably good-size heads and sideshoots for either spring or fall harvest. Heads mature over a 3-week period.
'Italian Green Sprouting' (aka 'Calabrese') (60-90 days) This open-pollinated heirloom variety, brought to the United States by Italian immigrants in the late 1880s, is still treasured for continued sideshoot production. Plant in spring or fall.
'Minaret'(75-100 days) This uniform-growing, open-pollinated Romanesco type has light green, pointed spiral clusters and nutlike texture good for salads and dips.
'Packman'(55 days) This tender, early hybrid broccoli is widely adapted to different climates and soils. Abundant sideshoots prolong the harvest.
'Purple Sprouting'(125 days) Plant this open-pollinated heirloom in mid-May for a late-fall harvest. In mild-winter climates, plant in fall to overwinter for spring harvest.
'Waltham 29'(60-95 days) Producing a medium-large head and having good sideshoot production, this open-pollinated classic is a favorite for fall crops.
*Approximate days to maturity are from transplants except broccoli raab.
SOURCES: Abundant Life Seed Foundation, PO Box 772, Port Townsend, WA 98368; (360) 385-5660; www.abundantlifeseed.org.
The Cook's Garden, PO Box 535, Londonderry, VT 05148; (800) 457-9703; www.cooksgarden.com.
Johnny's Selected Seeds, RR1, Box 2580, Foss Hill Rd., Albion, ME 04910; (207) 437-4301; www.johnnyseeds.com.
Territorial Seed Co., PO Box 158, Cottage Grove, OR 97424; (541) 942-9547; www.territorial-seed.com.
W. Atlee Burpee & Co., 300 Park Ave., Warminster, PA 18974; (800) 888-1447; www.burpee.com.
