Broccoli varieties for the eastern U.S.

Our plant breeding partners are developing broccoli hybrids capable of producing quality heads under highly variable and often stressful eastern growing conditions. Until those new cultivars appear on the market, which currently available varieties are best for eastern growers?

In the first two years of this effort, over thirty commercial broccoli hybrids were evaluated in our regional testing system. In the most stressful environments, four varieties stood out from the rest with respect to bead uniformity and dome structure: DuraPak 19, Lieutenant, DuraPak 16, and Tradition.

Even under more optimal fall or spring conditions, some commercial varieties are better choices for eastern production than others. The list below includes hybrids that, based on our experience, have done well in some eastern environments and seasons. Updates will be made as more information and varieties become available.

Within each seasonal planting list, varieties are listed in order from earliest to latest maturity.

For early spring planting, late spring/early summer harvest

For late summer harvest (tolerates some warmth)

For fall harvest

*Organic seed is also available. Additional information on organic choices for eastern growers can be found in a recent report by our colleagues at NC State.

**The first releases from this project.