The best broccoli hybrids and varieties
Broccoli is a dietary vegetable that is very beneficial for the human body. Consider the most popular varieties of broccoli and its hybrids.
The best broccoli hybrids and varieties
How to choose a variety
Asparagus, or broccoli, as it is commonly called, is an annual plant with a height of 70 to 100 cm. Broccoli is somewhat similar in appearance to cauliflower. Although in terms of taste, it surpasses it almost twice. It contains much more protein and mineral salts, as well as vitamin C. For this, it is especially loved by adherents of a healthy diet. Like all crops, this vegetable is divided into hybrids and varietals. But what should be guided by when choosing a variety of this cabbage?
In total, there are two main criteria by which you need to choose a broccoli variety:
- The ripening time of the vegetable. Some species ripen at 45-50 days, some ripen for more than four months.
- Productivity. It can reach up to 8 kg per square meter. In addition, the seasonality of the harvest, resistance to frost and drought, insect pests, the weight of the fruits themselves, how large or not very large, depends on the variety.
That is why gardeners are very careful when choosing a broccoli variety. Otherwise, the wrong choice of broccoli, for example, due to bad weather conditions, can lead to its flowering, which significantly reduces the quality of the crop. To prevent this, professionals recommend paying attention to zoned varieties.
Early maturing species
Consider those varieties of broccoli that have received the most positive feedback from gardeners. The period of full ripeness of early maturing species can range from 60 to 100 days.
Batavia
The weight of the heads of the Batavia hybrid can reach up to 2 kg. The first inflorescences will be ready within 30-40 days after planting seeds in open ground. The best time to plant this hybrid is mid-March to mid-April. This species tolerates hot weather very well. Batavia can be eaten fresh or frozen.
Linda
This variety of broccoli seeds germinate very well and amicably. The weight of the heads reaches about 0.5 kg, full maturation is achieved 90-100 days after planting. The color of the hybrid linda has a bright green, average height. Also, the Linda broccoli variety is loved for its high iodine content. Such a vegetable is good to eat fresh, it can also be canned and frozen.
Lord
One of the highest yielding varieties of broccoli cabbage.
They sow it with seeds from mid-March, in the ground - from the second half of April. The largest head weight of all Lord cabbage reaches about 1.5 kg. Full maturation occurs in 2-3 months. This variety is excellent for outdoor cultivation. Another plus of the Lord is its usefulness for the body. With constant use, it improves the functioning of the heart and blood vessels.
Tone
After planting, Tonus ripens within 3 months. Has a slightly brown tint. Seeds require careful maintenance to produce good and strong seedlings. Cabbage is planted in open ground only at the beginning of May, when the probability of spring frosts has already decreased to zero. A variety of cabbage with this name is good to use both fresh and frozen and canned.
Mid-season varieties and hybrids
Get your first harvest in four months
Cabbage varieties of medium ripeness ripen approximately in the period from 100 to 130 days from the moment of seed germination.
Ironman
Those who have already grown broccoli with seeds, notes the high yield of this variety. It is a domed hybrid with leaves that can be green or blue. Fruit weight reaches 0.5 kg. This variety grows well in open soil, tolerates field conditions well. This crop tends to withstand frost and drought. In addition, the Ironman vegetable has good flavoring properties. Perfect for growing in central Russia, in the Urals.
Fortune
Seeds of broccoli cabbage of this species have a high yield, which is proved by many years of positive experience of farmers and gardeners. The entire ripening cycle of a vegetable takes place from 80 to 90 days. Weight - up to 200 gr. It takes seedlings to open ground in about 30-40 days after planting. Fortune is able to withstand frost, besides, it is perfectly stored. She is loved for its light dietary taste, which is especially revealed when eaten fresh.
Atlantic
The growing season is about 130-135 days after the seeds have been sown in the seed boxes. The maximum head weight is approximately 400 g. Atlantic is a great option for those who prefer fresh broccoli.
The best varieties of late-ripening broccoli
The full ripening cycle for these cabbage varieties reaches 150 days. You can grow it faster - in about 135 days. It all depends on the weather conditions. Consider the very best late-ripening broccoli varieties.
Agassi
This variety of cabbage is very fond of warmth. It is in these conditions that broccoli seeds germinate well. It has medium tubercles and a regular rounded shape. Weight can reach up to 1 kg., Most often - about 800 gr. This cabbage grows well both outdoors and in a greenhouse. In addition, agassi can be stored for up to 5 months, which undoubtedly can be considered an advantage of the variety.
Marathon
This variety of broccoli does not like heat and tolerates cold well. The variety is appreciated in the Urals, in the middle zone of Russia. It must be planted in early spring, the first harvest can be obtained as early as 85 days after the broccoli seeds are planted. For those who love and appreciate broccoli, the Marathon variety is especially popular.
In addition to the above-mentioned late-ripening varieties of cabbage, we also recommend paying attention to such varieties as Laki and Continental. However, when choosing late-ripening hybrids, remember that they are not very popular, because such cabbage varieties do not have high taste. But late-ripening varieties ripen by the beginning of autumn, which means that this type of broccoli can be perfect for preparing winter preparations.
The most useful varieties
Choose the variety that suits you
Consider the healthiest varieties and hybrids of broccoli cabbage.
Calabrese
This is not a cauliflower, as many believe. A subspecies of broccoli, which is especially popular in Finland. It has a round and dense head that can be of different colors: green, yellow, and even purple. The average weight reaches about 400 grams. It is perfect for both freezing and fermentation. It is useful to use it raw, since the calabrese variety contains many vitamins and substances beneficial to the body. Seeds of broccoli cabbage of this variety have good survival rate and germinate together.
Blue spindle
An early ripe hybrid that gardeners love for their incredibly high yield. The mass of such cabbage reaches up to 0.5 kg. In terms of its nutritional value and usefulness, the content of vitamins, Blue Spindle surpasses even cauliflower.
Jorman
The full ripening cycle is achieved approximately 70-80 days after planting the seeds. This jorman cabbage can be consumed both fresh and after processing. But it should be borne in mind that for processing it is best to use the fruits from the sowing made at the end of May.
Beaumont
The best varieties of broccoli cabbage include the Beaumont variety. It was obtained as a result of Dutch selection. The harvest can be obtained 3 months after the broccoli seeds have been sown. The average weight of cabbage reaches 800-900 grams, although sometimes the weight increases to 2 kg. This variety is prone to rapid wilt, so the best way to freeze or process cabbage.
The best zoned varieties and hybrids
Mention should be made of the best zoned broccoli varieties that are great for growing in Russia. After all, they are adapted to temperate climates. Planting dates for broccoli varieties are usually indicated on the seed package. The best zoned varieties include:
- tone;
- vitamin;
- gnome.
We have already talked about Tonus earlier, now is the time to learn about the last two.
Vitamin
This hybrid allows you to get the first harvest as early as 80 days after planting. This cabbage can be planted at the end of April and in the middle of June. If you plant it later, you will have a harvest by September. Usually, there are no problems with the cultivation of this variety of cabbage. The approximate weight of the fruit reaches 300-350 grams. However, this variety of cabbage has one feature - after ripening, the fruits must be harvested as quickly as possible, since they tend to deteriorate.
Gnome
Another regionalized hybrid of asparagus. Its fruits are large enough - they reach about 500-600 grams. It is more correct to plant this variety in mid-May, in this case the ripening period reaches an average of 3.5 months from the moment the broccoli seeds are sown. The maximum ripening time is 4 months. This cabbage is perfect for long-term storage, pickling and freezing. You can also use it fresh.
Conclusion
Each type of broccoli has its own advantages and disadvantages. What kind of cabbage to grow on your site is up to you. When choosing, be sure to take into account the weather conditions, the nature of the soil on the site and the yield that you plan to get.