Brassica oleracea
Origin: Amery, Wisconsin
Improvement status: Breeding population
Seeds per packet: ~60
Germination tested 12/2024: 95%
Life cycle: Annual or Biennial
We're super excited to be offering this new breeding population of sprouting broccoli from our longtime friend, grower, and collaborator Clint Freund of Cultivating the Commons in Amery, Wisconsin. After the success of his 'Rutabangin' rutabaga grex, we were thrilled when Clint told us of his plans to develop a sprouting broccoli grex. For those unfamiliar with the term, "sprouting broccoli" is distinct from typical "heading broccoli" in that it mainly sends up slender side-shoots, rather than large central heads. Though less commonly found in markets (where they might be sold as "broccolini"), sprouting broccolis are delicious and perfect for home gardeners, given their extended production time.
Here's what Clint has to say about this awesome project:
"Welcome to our first steps in growing a "landrace" SPROUTING BROCCOLI! By partnering with the non-profit Going To Seed, and generous funding from the Clif Family Foundation, we tasked ourselves with growing a large genetically diverse population useful for future selection and breeding in gardens and farms across the region.
The concept is simple: spend three years letting many varieties cross and recross in the garden. After those initial crosses and criss-crosses, one can begin selecting from these very diverse and genetically mixed-up individuals. A soon-to-be beautiful mix that you can get a sneak peak into this year!!
Varieties used this first year include Italian, Brazilian, Chinese and American strains of Brassica oleracea that sprout from a spring planting!
Let us know how they do for you!!"
GROWING TIPS: Start in flats a few weeks before last frost or direct-sow after frost danger has passed. Succession sow for a longer production period.
