This sturdy variety of broccoli is grown for its side shoots and large heads that form on easy to harvest stocks. Heads can reach 6-7″ in size. Waltham 29 broccoli is widely adapted, drought-tolerant, and a great selection to grow for a fall crop. It will continue to produce side shoots after the main head is harvested—side shoots will produce for 7-8 weeks after the main head is harvested. After harvest growers can enjoy the good freezing qualities of this broccoli.

• If you are planting an early spring crop, start seeds 3-4 weeks before planting out. The optimal temperature for broccoli growth is 60-70 degrees.
• Broccoli seeds are best planted in starter pots and transplanted out.
• If you are starting the seeds for a fall planting in Zones 9 and 10, you will want to start your seeds in a cool environment. This can be indoors, under the shade of a tree, in a cooled greenhouse, or in a shade house. Broccoli transplants will not thrive in high temperatures. We recommend you find the coolest area of your garden and construct a temporary shade house using our shade cloth. This will keep your transplants healthy until it is cool enough to transplant them out.
• When planting your broccoli seeds, plant them on top of thoroughly moistened high-quality seed starting soil. Cover the seeds with 1/4” of finely sifted soil.
• Once your seedlings have germinated and have a set of true leaves you will need to regularly fertilize with an organic liquid fertilizer to ensure happy plants.
• Transplant out broccoli plants when they are about 5-6” tall into a full sun location with fertile and well-draining soils. It is a good practice to incorporate compost and a granular fertilizer into the soil before you plant. Broccoli is a heavy feeder.
• Space broccoli plants at least 24” apart.

Succession Planting Broccoli

• For a steady flow of broccoli, we strongly suggest that you succession plant at four-week intervals so that you always have fresh broccoli to harvest.

Growing Broccoli in Containers

• Broccoli can be grown in a container, but it needs adequate space. If you are planting broccoli in containers, make sure your container is at least 20” deep. Keep in mind containers will dry out faster because they have more surface area and less soil to hold onto moisture. Mulch heavily on the top of the soil to help retain soil moisture.

Harvesting Broccoli

• Broccoli heads can be harvested at any desirable size. A sharp knife can be used to cut the main head. Note that some varieties are grown for one large head while others like our Calabrese are grown for side shoots that give you broccoli all season long. Regardless of the variety, once you harvest the main head, you will get small side shoots that are tender and delicious. Make sure you harvest and enjoy them. They are tender and tasty!
• Companion Flowers/Crops
  • Broccoli plants look beautiful when they are interplanted with companion flowers that help with destructive insects. We recommend you plant alyssum, nasturtium, borage, and poppies around your broccoli for a beautiful and bountiful garden.