28 Types of Broccoli to Grow: Complete Guide to Flavor, Color, and Harvest

Broccoli is much more than the familiar green heads stacked at the grocery store. Gardeners today have access to a diverse spectrum of broccoli types, each with unique flavors, colors, and growth patterns. Whether you’re new to broccoli or seek a specialty variety to add visual excitement and taste to your kitchen, this guide will introduce you to the world of broccoli—covering everything from classic Calabrese and sprouting broccolis to striking Romanesco and purple varieties.

Table of Contents

• What Is Broccoli?
• Classic Head Broccoli Types
• Sprouting Broccoli Varieties
• Unique & Unusual Broccoli Varieties
• Purple Broccoli Varieties
• Tips for Growing Broccoli Successfully
• Harvesting and Storage
• Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Broccoli?

Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) is a cool-season vegetable in the cabbage family. Its familiar form is a central cluster of small, tightly packed flower buds on thick stalks. However, the word “broccoli” actually encompasses several vegetables—including sprouting, Romanesco, and Chinese variations—each cultivated for different parts: large central heads, side shoots, or leafy greens. All are nutritious, crunchy, and packed with vitamins.

Classic Head Broccoli Types

These are the types most familiar to home gardeners and found in supermarkets, prized for their large, dense heads and reliable yields.

• Calabrese Broccoli
  Named after the Calabria region of southern Italy, Calabrese broccoli is the archetypal broccoli with a thick stalk and a domed, green crown of tightly packed florets. It was introduced to the United States by Italian immigrants in the early 20th century and is the origin of most modern broccoli varieties. Growing well in zones 3–10 and highly cold hardy, Calabrese types will continue to produce abundant side shoots after the main head is harvested, offering a long harvest window.
  • Waltham Broccoli (Waltham 29)
    Open-pollinated and capable of thriving in colder seasons (zones 3–9), Waltham is famed for its productivity and significant number of side shoots. Plants grow up to 24 inches tall and mature in 65–75 days. Expect compact plants with high yields, even in challenging weather.
  • Blue Wind Broccoli
    This hybrid is valued for earliness (about 60 days to maturity) and its distinct bluish-green foliage and buds. ‘Blue Wind’ is excellent for regions with mild winters and offers a staggered harvest due to plentiful side shoots and tightly beaded heads.
  • Arcadia Broccoli
    Known for its exceptional cold tolerance and ability to produce large, uniform heads even in winter and early spring. Arcadia also yields plenty of side shoots after the central head is harvested.
  • Belstar Broccoli
    Belstar’s compact plants are ideal for small gardens, growing medium to large, domed heads with good heat tolerance, making it a good choice for spring and fall planting.

Sprouting Broccoli Varieties

Sprouting broccoli varieties focus on producing abundant side shoots, rather than one large central head. These cultivars are cherished for their tender stems and florets, and are often harvested over an extended season.

• Burgundy Broccoli
  ‘Burgundy’ is a standout purple sprouting broccoli variety, celebrated for its tender, flavorful side shoots and attractive color. It matures in about 68–75 days and is highly resistant to Fusarium yellows and frost. Unlike traditional sprouting broccolis that prefer only cool weather, ‘Burgundy’ tolerates a wider range of temperatures—making it suitable for longer harvest periods. Some gardeners remove the first main floret to encourage even more prolific side shoot production.
  • Plant height: 36 in; Spread: 24 in
  • Frost tolerant and best for Zones 3-10
  • Best sown 4–6 weeks before last frost (spring) or late summer/fall for cooler regions
• De Cicco Broccoli
  An Italian heirloom famous for lots of small, tender side shoots produced after the main head is harvested. De Cicco matures quickly (as little as 48 days), though the central head is smaller than other types. The wealth of tender side shoots makes it ideal for gardeners wanting continuous harvests.
• Purple Sprouting Broccoli
  Developed in the UK, this variety produces prolific slender purple shoots and florets, especially after winter. It is particularly cold hardy and is typically planted in autumn for spring harvests.
• Broccoli Raab (Rapini)
  This variety is not a true broccoli but closely related. Broccoli raab is grown for its bitter, leafy greens and small buds. It’s a staple in Mediterranean cuisine, quickly maturing in as little as 40-60 days, and is best planted in early spring or late summer.

Unique & Unusual Broccoli Varieties

For gardeners seeking something different, these broccoli types deliver unique flavor, appearance, and garden intrigue.

• Romanesco Broccoli (Romanesco cauliflower)
  Romanesco is an Italian marvel known for its mesmerizing lime green heads, which grow in a spiral fractal pattern. Its flavor is delicate and nutty, with a satisfying crunch. Romanesco thrives in cool weather, growing best at temperatures between 60–80°F. Plant in a site with 6–8 hours of direct sun, water consistently (preferably with drip irrigation), and mulch to preserve root moisture and keep the soil cool. In hot climates, start seeds early or late in the season.
  • Sun: 6–8 hours/day (afternoon shade beneficial in hot areas)
  • Water: Consistent, deep watering; mulch to retain moisture
• Sprouting Broccoli (White & Green types)
  These forms produce clusters of slender, tender stems and small florets, often harvested over weeks as side shoots continue to grow. They can be either green or white, with the white varieties being slightly milder and sweeter.
• Chinese Broccoli (Gai Lan)
  Recognizable by its thick, flat stems and glossy leaves, Chinese broccoli is a staple in Asian cuisine. It is grown for its tender stems, leaves, and small florets—delivering a slightly bitter, mustard-like taste. Harvest when stems are young and tender for the best flavor.
• Broccolini (Baby Broccoli)
  A hybrid between standard broccoli and Chinese broccoli, broccolini offers long, slender stems topped with small, loose florets. It matures quickly, with a mild, sweet flavor, making it popular both in restaurants and gardens.

Purple Broccoli Varieties

Purple broccoli types offer visual excitement and antioxidant-rich nutrition. Many turn green when cooked, but their raw presence adds a splash of color to salads and crudité platters.

• Burgundy Broccoli (see above in Sprouting Broccoli)
• Purple Cauliflower (often called broccoli in markets)
  This vegetable is technically a cauliflower, but is frequently labeled as broccoli. Its vibrant purple heads are tender and flavorful. Rich in anthocyanins, the pigment responsible for its color, purple cauliflower offers added nutritional benefits.
• Violet Queen Broccoli
  A hybrid producing compact, vibrant purple heads and abundant side shoots. Matures in 75 days, and like most purple types, its color fades to green when cooked.

Tips for Growing Broccoli Successfully

To achieve consistently high yields and quality broccoli, follow these cultivation tips:

• Soil & Location: Broccoli grows best in rich, well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0–7.0. Add compost or aged manure to improve fertility. Plant in a location with as much sun as possible—at least 6 hours daily.
• Timing: Broccoli is a cool-season crop. Sow seeds indoors 4–6 weeks before the last expected frost or direct seed outdoors when soil is at least 40°F (ideally 60–85°F). For a fall crop, sow in mid to late summer.
• Spacing: Space plants 18–24 inches apart in rows 24–36 inches apart, depending on the variety.
• Watering: Keep soil evenly moist. Water at the base of plants in the early morning to minimize disease risk. Mulching helps retain soil moisture and stabilize temperature.
• Fertilizing: Feed with a balanced fertilizer before planting and side-dress with additional nitrogen as the plants grow, especially after harvesting the main head to promote side shoots.
• Pest & Disease Management: Watch for cabbage worms, aphids, and flea beetles. Use row covers or organic controls as needed.

Harvesting and Storage

Knowing when and how to harvest ensures the best-tasting broccoli and encourages ongoing production, especially for varieties that produce multiple side shoots.

• When to Harvest: Cut the main head when buds are tight and before any yellow flowers appear. Use a sharp knife to make a slanting cut several inches below the head.
• Side Shoots: Continue harvesting the smaller side shoots as they mature. Many varieties will provide weeks of ongoing yields after the central head is removed.
• Storing Broccoli: Broccoli keeps best when refrigerated immediately after harvest. Store unwashed heads in a plastic bag for up to a week. For longer-term storage, blanch and freeze florets.

Comparison Table: Common Broccoli Types

*Purple sprouting broccoli is often overwintered for early spring harvests.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the easiest broccoli variety to grow for beginners?

A: Calabrese and Waltham types are highly recommended for beginners due to their reliability, cold-hardiness, and long harvest period of side shoots.

Q: Do purple broccoli types stay purple after cooking?

A: Most purple varieties, including Burgundy and Violet Queen, turn green when cooked, but retain a vibrant color when served raw.

Q: Can broccoli be grown in containers?

A: Yes! Choose compact varieties like Belstar or Blue Wind. Use a pot at least 12 inches deep and wide, filled with rich, well-draining soil.

Q: How long does broccoli take to mature?

A: Most head varieties mature in 60–90 days, while sprouting and overwintering types may take longer. Always check the seed packet for specifics.

Q: How do I keep broccoli heads tight and free of pests?

A: Grow in cool weather, provide consistent moisture, and use row covers to keep out cabbage moths and aphids. Harvest promptly before buds loosen.

Conclusion

The diversity of broccoli is vast, from common green heads to spiraled Romanesco and vibrant purple sprouting stems. By exploring these different types, home gardeners can enjoy an extended harvest season, discover new flavors, and add color to every meal. With proper care, anyone can grow delicious, nutritious broccoli—no matter which type you choose.

Author

Srija Burman

 

Srija holds an MA in English Literature from the University of Calcutta and a PG diploma in Editing and Publishing from Jadavpur University. Her interest in writing and editing ranges across niches, including academics, sports, and human psychology.

Read full bio of Srija Burman