(Brassica oleracea) The (justifiably) much-maligned public opinion of open-pollinated broccoli among commercial growers has started to change based on the attentive stewardship and selection work that has gone into a couple of varieties in this category over the past decade. “Solstice” comes out of a gene pool started at OSU and later selected on for several years by Jonathan Spero of Lupine Knoll Farm in Southern Oregon. Big, Vigorous plants hold their tight, dark green heads high above the leaves on very long stems with excellent side shoot production. Maturity is much more uniform than most OPs while still giving about a week+ harvest window, a feature we find to be a positive attribute. Very early maturing!
70 days. UO OSSI

We are saddened by the loss of Jonathan Spero, an exceptional and generous human, plant breeder, and food grower who passed from this world in April 2020.

Packet: 100 seeds

*This seed has tested negative for both Black Leg (Phoma lingam) and Black Rot (Xanthomonas campestris) as required by the WA Dept of Ag crucifer seed quarantine.

[split]

Growing Info

SOWING:

Indoors, 4-6 weeks before your last frost date.

Transplant out 2-4 weeks before last mild frost.

Note: Broccoli prefers well drained soil with high organic matter, consistent water, and cooler temperatures for optimal growth although warmer temperatures will be tolerated.

PLANTING DEPTH:

1/4-1/2""

SPACING:

18" spacing in rows 24-30" apart.

EMERGENCE:

5-14 days @ soil temp 55-75F

LIGHT:

Full sun to part shade

FERTILITY:

Medium-Heavy. Prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0-7.5.

ADDITIONAL NOTES:

Broccoli will reward you with abundant side shoots for weeks, especially if you continue to harvest them.

Broccoli does best in cooler weather.

Consistent water is essential!

Broccoli, 'Solstice'