Introduction
Broccoli is a crop that is available in the grocery store year around. But it doesn't have the flavor and tenderness of home grown broccoli. This is why it's one of the crops I look to grow each year. Last year, I had excellent results growing the Packman variety. I am also growing it again this year. However due to some rough winds and rain, a couple of my Packman broccoli plants bit the dust. Shortly afterward I was at the Ann Arbor Farmer's Market, and I found some Green Goliath Broccoli for sale. So I decided to give this variety a try to, so I could do an comparison throughout the year. I liked the Packman broccoli because it was very heat resistent. It grew all summer long, producing many side shoots after the main head was harvested. And last summer was a really hot summer, making it even more impressive. So I am curious to see how Green Goliath does in hot weather.
Does It Produce Side Shoots, After Central Head is Harvest?
One of the first things I want to know when purchasing a variety of broccoli is does it produce side shoots, once the main head is harvested. Not all varieites do. I like to keep the harvest going, so this is a requirement for me. So Green Golaith broccoli does produce side shoots after the main head is harvested.
When to Plant
Broccoli can be planted when the soil is workable in the spring and any really hard frosts are over.
Starting Seeds/Transplanting Plants Outdoors
I tried starting broccoli from seed last year and I didn't like my results. None of my plants survived. So this year, I decided to just buy the plants grow by someone who is better at starting seeds. You can also sow the seeds directly in the ground. I might have done that but like I said I purchased Green Goliath to replace some fallen plants and I didn't want to wait for the seeds to grow as we are in May now.
Expected Harvest
I find when you transplant broccoli it starts out growing slow for the first couple weeks. But then it takes off. Green Goliath is a fast growing variety, being ready to harvest in 55 days. So I should be enjoying this broccoli before my fourth of July cookout.
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