Broccoli Question

Some time ago, I came upon a short list of broccoli varieties that grew better in the Spring and those that did better in the Fall. I seem to have misplaced that list. You broccoli experts out there, help me out, please!

Lettuceman - use this link and then click on the Broccoli varieties comparison chart (it's a .pdf so I could not provide the direct link):


http://www.johnnyseeds.com/t-growers_library.aspx?source=GrowGuide

Thank you, HoneyBeeNC! That was exactly what I was looking for...Broccoli here I come!

Lettuceman,

I just wrote this reply on another thread.

http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/p.php?pid=9008818

Thanks, Gymgirl! I'm going with Green Magic and Amadeous this Spring and then Arcadia and Marathon in the Fall.

I grew Marathon, it was the worst variety I've ever tried to grow. It didn't do well in fall, winter or spring. It had deformed heads and yellow beads even before the heads were fully formed. It did not have a virus or insect problem (I took samples to the soil and plant lab). Another vendor at the market grew it this year. I saw the heads and said "is that Marathon?" and she said "how did you know?"

Here is a TAMU newsletter that includes a section on Green Magic broccoli. It looks like A&M recommends it for fall, winter, and spring.

http://bexar-tx.tamu.edu/HomeHort/MasterGardener/Scion/Scion%2007/October%20Scion.pdf

David

Thanks for the heads up on that Marathon variety of broccoli, Calalily. Based on your post, I think I'll pass on that cultivar. And I appreciate your information on the Green Magic, dreaves. In my zone 6, Packman does fairly well, but often doesn't over-winter like I'd like and it's more of a Spring variety in my experience. Again, thanks to both of you for your input.

Now I know why I had a hard time with Arcadia in the summertime a few years ago. My favorite Spring planted broccoli was Umpqua, but couldn't find seeds for it locally the last two years. My best plants last Summer were the offspring of a broccoli plant left to go to seed. I had several varieties, so I don't know exactly what it was, or if it was a cross.

I agree with Calalily on Marathon. I love both Emerald Crown and Imperial for both spring and fall. My last fall planting made 11 inch heads down the row...and very tasty....crown setting {Stokes Seeds}

Indy, have you ever grown Coronado Crown? I bought seeds for that one, but haven't grown it.

I tried it once...didn't like the heads.

Coronado Crown is okey but not the greatest. Heads separate quickly. On the other hand it is a great producer of side shoots.

Thanks Farmerdill. I should have checked it in plantfiles before buying the seeds.