Green Magic Hybrid Broccoli Seeds

Days to Maturity: 57 from transplant; 90 from direct sow

It's a toss-up whether Green Magic is more valuable for its buttery flavor or for its terrific heat tolerance. This uniform, dependable blue-green beauty is beloved in gardens across the country, wowing with generous yields made even greater by excellent tolerance of downy mildew, a foe of many other varieties. Compact and very productive, it will become your go-to broccoli from the very first season you grow it.

Green Magic hybrid sets smooth, nicely domed heads with mid-size beads very tightly packed. It's suitable for picking two ways: either the entire crown in one fell swoop, or the central stalk first, then numerous side-shoots as they arise afterwards. Cutting the main head encourages side-shoot growth. Either way, you'll find the flavor irresistible. Some folks report that Green Magic tastes "pre-buttered"; everyone loves its combination of rich, bold flavor and crisp texture.

If you have ever grown the old favorite Gypsy, Green Magic may remind you of it, but with a more compact plant habit and even more vigorous production. This plant is just about 2 feet high, germinating rapidly (10 to 14 days) from seed and growing well, even in unexpectedly warm spring or fall weather.

Broccoli grows well with celery and onions, which some folks believe actually improve its flavor when grown as neighbors. Strongly aromatic herbs from dill to sage help keep destructive pests off the broccoli plants. And flowers such as marigolds, nasturtiums, and anise hyssop make lovely as well as useful companions in the sunny garden.

A cool-weather crop, broccoli can be grown in spring and fall everywhere, and even in winter in mild climates. Sow seeds directly or transplant into the garden when they have 4 true leaves (about 8 weeks from germinating). Before planting, prepare the soil well, adding nitrogen if necessary and neutralizing heavily alkaline or acid soils. If planting in spring, plan to harvest before the temperature reaches 80 degrees; the heads will bolt in high heat. If planting in fall, start 10 to 12 weeks before first frost date. Space seeds or transplants 18 inches apart in rows 2 feet apart. Harvest the central head first, which will stimulate the production of numerous side-shoots and extend your harvest another few weeks.