Broccoli 'Waltham 29'

Brassica oleracea

The heirloom broccoli variety 'Waltham 29' is named for Waltham, MA, USA, where researchers at the University of Massachusetts developed it in 1950. It grows compact, produces lots of 4-8" green heads that are nicely flavoured. It is also suitable to grow in cooler regions. After picking the main head, many side spears appear. Since this variety is relatively frost tolerant, sowing is possible until the late summer, then can be harvested in the spring.

After hearing that Waltham 29 is GreenStalk's own favourite broccoli, we just had to find it!

Harvest the central spear first with a sharp knife, as this encourages the side shoots to develop quickly. Regular picking extends cropping time.

Pre-cultivation: March, for planting out in April. Sow on moistened seed soil. Cover thinly with soil. Keep moist. Set warm (15-18°C). After emergence, bright and cooler. When the plants are big enough to handle, place 1/pot in fertilized soil. Harden off the plants before transplanting out.

Direct sowing: April - mid-June. Can be sown directly when soil temp. is at least +15°C.

Broccoli grows best in partial shade.

Protect from pests with net.

Sow depth, cm: 1

Harvest: November for March sowings, January - May if sown April-June

Height: 50 cm

Spacing: 60cm / 1 plant per GreenStalk pocket

Biennial

Number of seeds: 50