Broccoli Varieties: 28 Types, Flavor Profiles, And Growing Tips
Experience a rainbow of crisp, tender heads that thrive in diverse climates and seasons.
28 Delicious Broccoli Varieties: Comprehensive Guide to Types, Flavor, and Growing
Broccoli is celebrated worldwide for its nutrition, flavor, and versatility. While many only know the familiar green heads at supermarkets, there is a vibrant world of broccoli varieties beyond the classic Calabrese. This detailed guide introduces 28 broccoli typesâfrom heirloom standards to sprouting, purple, and unique Asian selectionsâequipping both novice and expert gardeners with insights necessary to grow, harvest, and enjoy this wonderful vegetable.
Table of Contents
- What is Broccoli?
- Main Types of Broccoli
- Calabrese Broccoli & Popular Varieties
- Sprouting Broccoli Types
- Purple and Burgundy Broccoli Varieties
- Romanesco Broccoli
- Broccoli Raab and Asian Broccoli Types
- Broccolini and Hybrid Varieties
- Comparison Table: 12 Popular Broccoli Varieties
- Frequently Asked Questions
What is Broccoli?
Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) is a member of the Brassicaceae family, related to cabbage, kale, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower. Typically grown for its edible flowering heads and tender stalks, broccoli has been selectively bred to produce diverse colors, shapes, and flavors. Thought to originate in Italy, it thrives in cool seasons and offers an extended harvest with the right care.
Main Types of Broccoli
Broccoli can be categorized as:
- Calabrese (Heading) Broccoli: Traditional, forms tight central heads.
- Sprouting Broccoli: Produces smaller, abundant side shoots.
- Romanesco Broccoli: Unique spiral heads, often lime green, with a nutty taste.
- Broccoli Raab (Rapini): Leafier, grown for stems and florets; slightly bitter.
- Asian Broccoli Types: Includes Chinese broccoli (Gai Lan), known for broad stems and leaves.
- Novelty/Hybrid Types: Includes broccolini and purple sprouting varieties.
Calabrese Broccoli & Popular Varieties
Calabrese broccoli is what most North Americans recognize as broccoli: large, domed, forest-green heads with thick stems. Named after Calabria, Italy, it is known for both a main central head and smaller side shoots, making it highly productive throughout its harvest window.
Common Calabrese Varieties
- Waltham 29
Open-pollinated, cold-tolerant, compact plants (24″ tall). Matures in 65-75 days. Famous for flavor and prolific side shoots, even during colder seasons. Hardy in zones 3â9. - Blue Wind
Hybrid, extra early (60 days). Distinctive light blue-green leaves, dense blue-green heads, and abundant side shoots for an extended season. Great for areas with mild winters. - Belstar
Adaptable, produces large (6â8″) heads. Tolerant of variable conditions and excellent disease resistance. - Di Cicco
Italian heirloom. Smaller heads (3â4″), prolific side-shooting habit and staggered harvests. Famed for sweet flavor, great for continual harvest. - Green Magic
Heat-tolerant hybrid with smooth domed heads, suitable for spring or summer planting. - Arcadia
Winter-hardy, suitable for fall or winter harvest, with dense, domed heads and abundant side shoots.
Sprouting Broccoli Types
Sprouting broccoli is grown primarily for its slender, tender stems and abundant shoots. Rather than forming a single large crown, these types produce many smaller florets over a long period.
- Burgundy
Vibrant purple side shoots, tender and flavorful. More tolerant of temperature swings than most purple types, allowing a longer harvest period. Resistant to Fusarium yellows; 68â75 days to maturity. - White Sprouting Broccoli (also called White Eye or White Flowering)
Produces creamy-white florets. Sweet, mild, and less bitter than purple types. - Red Arrow
Purple sprouting variety with numerous thin, long stems and a robust, slightly peppery flavor. - Purple Sprouting
Valued for winter or very early spring harvest in cool climates.
What others are reading
Purple and Burgundy Broccoli Varieties
These eye-catching broccoli types range from deep violet to burgundy, offering subtle sweetness and a striking appearance in salads or cooked dishes. While many purple types turn green when cooked, their nutrient density and antioxidants remain.
- Burgundy (see above): Specialty sprouting, with vivid color and flavor.
- Violet Queen: Aromatic and colorful sprouting heads.
- Early Purple Sprouting: Ideal for early spring harvests, hardy through winter.
- Claret: Modern purple sprouting, excellent for late winter to spring cropping.
Romanesco Broccoli
Romanesco is neither a true broccoli nor a cauliflower, but a unique type of Brassica with spiky, lime-green spiraled heads. Its mesmerizing fractal form and nutty, slightly sweet flavor set it apart as a premium addition to both gardens and plates. Romanesco thrives best in cool conditions and needs more time to mature than most broccoli types.
Broccoli Raab and Asian Broccoli Types
Some “broccolis” are in fact distinct Brassicas with a similar taste profileâespecially within Asian cuisines.
- Broccoli Raab (Rapini)
Known in Italy as broccoletti, this leafy green has slender stalks, small buds, and a pleasantly bitter, peppery flavor. Matures in just 45 days and is prized for its use in stir fries, sautés, and salads. Very frost-tolerant, best in cool weather. - Chinese Broccoli (Gai Lan)
Broad, flat, glossy leaves with thick, tender stems and small florets. Milder and less bitter than broccoli raab. Essential in Asian stir fries and noodle dishes, offering a sweet-crunchy bite. Matures quickly and tolerates warm climates well. - Kai Lan
Another respected Asian green, with even thicker stems and a slightly sweeter taste compared to Gai Lan. Also served steamed or stir-fried.
Broccolini and Hybrid Varieties
Broccolini (sometimes called Aspabroc or baby broccoli) is a popular modern hybrid, developed from a cross between Chinese broccoli (Gai Lan) and Calabrese broccoli. It has slender stems, small florets, and a distinctive sweet flavor with undertones of asparagus. Fast-maturing, broccolini is especially popular for home gardeners and professional chefs alike.
Additional Novelty Broccoli Types:
- Santee: Purple sprouting hybrid, early cropping.
- Green Goliath: Large, heat-tolerant, abundant side shoots.
- Packman: Early hybrid, uniform heads, excellent for freezing.
- Sun King: Very heat-tolerant, perfect for southern gardeners.
- Coronado Crown: Hybrid adapted to warm climates, produces large domed heads and abundant side shoots.
- Fiesta: Uniform domed heads, resistant to downy mildew.
- Marathon: Winter hardy, firm blue-green heads.
Comparison Table: 12 Popular Broccoli Varieties
| Name | Head Color | Type | Maturity (Days) | Main Harvest Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calabrese | Medium green | Heading | 60â80 | Classic domed heads, side shoots |
| Waltham 29 | Deep green | Heading | 65â75 | Cold hardy, side shoots |
| Di Cicco | Green | Heading | 48â70 | Small heads, prolific shoots |
| Blue Wind | Blue-green | Heading | 60 | Early, long harvest window |
| Burgundy | Purple | Sprouting | 68â75 | Slender, sweet stems |
| Purple Sprouting | Purple | Sprouting | 200+ (overwintered) | Cold hardy, winter cropping |
| Romanesco | Lime green | Romanesco | 75â100 | Fractal heads, nutty flavor |
| Broccolini | Green | Hybrid | 45â60 | Slender, sweet stems |
| Rapini | Green | Raab | 35â45 | Tender leaves and shoots |
| Chinese (Gai Lan) | Dark green | Asian | 50â65 | Thick, tasty stems |
| Green Magic | Green | Hybrid | 57 | Heat tolerant, uniform |
| Belstar | Blue-green | Hybrid | 66 | Large, dense heads |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which type of broccoli should I grow in my climate?
For cool climates, choose classics like Calabrese, Waltham 29, and most sprouting varieties. In warmer zones, look for heat-tolerant types like Sun King, Blue Wind, and Chinese broccoli. Sprouting varieties and Romanesco do best when planted for fall or winter harvest.
What is the sweetest variety of broccoli?
Among heading types, Di Cicco and Green Magic are renowned for mild, sweet flavor. For sprouting and hybrids, Burgundy and Broccolini offer sweetness with a touch of nuttiness.
Whatâs the difference between broccoli, broccolini, and broccoflower?
Broccoli (Calabrese) features thick stalks and tight crowns. Broccolini is a modern hybrid with longer, slender stems and smaller florets. Broccoflower is actually a hybrid between broccoli and cauliflower, bearing green curds and a milder flavor.
How do I know when my broccoli is ready to harvest?
Harvest broccoli when heads are fully formed, tight, and before any yellow flower buds open. Head size varies by variety: for example, Di Cicco matures with 3â heads while Belstar can reach 6â8â across. Once the main head is harvested, many types produce additional side shoots for a prolonged harvest.
Can I eat broccoli leaves and stems?
Yes! Most broccoli leaves and stems are edible, tender, and packed with nutrients. Young leaves are great sautéed or added to soups, while stems are delicious peeled, chopped, and cooked.
Tips for Growing Broccoli Successfully
- Broccoli thrives in cool weather. Plant in early spring or late summer for fall harvest.
- Provide rich, well-draining soil with plenty of compost or aged manure.
- Keep roots moist but not waterlogged. Mulching helps regulate soil moisture and temperature.
- Harvest central head before florets begin to separate or show yellow. Side shoots often follow for weeks.
- Select disease-resistant hybrids if clubroot or mildew are a problem in your area.
Conclusion
From classic green domes to striking purple and spiral heads, the world of broccoli is as diverse as it is delicious. With dozens of varieties tailored to different tastes, climates, and cuisines, thereâs a broccoli for every gardener and plate. Experiment with a few unique types this season, and enjoy a longer, richer harvest packed with all the nutritional benefits broccoli has to offer.
References
Similar Articles
Read full bio of Shinta
