Best Broccoli Varieties for Tight Heads and Long Harvests
Choosing the right broccoli variety is key to growing tight, dense heads and enjoying a long harvest season. With over 30 years of gardening experience, I’ve tested dozens of varieties to find those that perform best in a range of climates and garden conditions.
Top Broccoli Varieties for Tight Heads
1. Packman
- Matures quickly (around 60 days).
- Produces large, dense, and uniform heads.
- Excellent heat tolerance for an early crop.
2. Green Magic
- Known for heat resistance and bolt delay.
- Heads stay tight even in warm weather.
- Ideal for extended spring and summer harvests.
3. Calabrese
- Classic Italian heirloom variety.
- Produces large main heads and abundant side shoots for extended harvest.
- Thrives in cooler climates.
4. Belstar
- Mid-season maturity (65–70 days).
- Very tight heads with excellent flavor.
- Disease-resistant and adaptable to many climates.
5. Diplomat
- Long harvest window with large, tight heads.
- Tolerant to heat and disease.
- Good choice for fall planting.
Varieties for Longer Harvests
- Calabrese and Diplomat excel at producing side shoots after the main head is harvested, extending your eating season by several weeks.
- Succession planting these varieties further lengthens harvest availability.
My Experience Selecting Broccoli Varieties
Through decades of hands-on trialing in diverse conditions—from cool coastal valleys to warmer inland gardens—I’ve learned that variety choice dramatically affects harvest size and length. The varieties above have repeatedly delivered tight heads, robust plants, and longer harvests in my garden and those of many other home growers.
Broccoli Variety Comparison Chart
| Variety | Days to Maturity | Heat Tolerance | Harvest Duration | Notable Traits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Packman | ~60 days | Moderate | Early harvest only | Fast-maturing, large tight heads |
| Green Magic | 60–70 days | High | Extended spring/summer | Heat-tolerant, delays bolting |
| Calabrese | 70–85 days | Moderate | Long (main head + side shoots) | Classic heirloom, flavorful, prolific |
| Belstar | 65–70 days | Moderate | Medium to long | Tight heads, disease-resistant |
| Diplomat | 75+ days | High | Long fall harvest | Heat & disease tolerant, large heads |
Tips:
- Combine these varieties in succession plantings to maximize harvest length.
- Choose based on your climate and desired harvest window.
🌱 Broccoli Learning Hub
Your complete guide to planting, growing, and enjoying homegrown broccoli.
1. Start Here: The Complete Guide
2. Planning & Planting
Getting off to a strong start.
- When to Plant Broccoli: Timing by Zone and Season
- Broccoli Seed Starting Tips
- How to Start Broccoli Seeds Indoors: Step-by-Step for Success
- Best Broccoli Varieties for Tight Heads and Long Harvests
- Succession Planting Broccoli for a Longer Harvest Window
- Best Companion Plants for Broccoli (And What to Avoid)
3. Growing & Care
Tips to nurture strong, flavorful heads.
- How to Fertilize Broccoli for Big, Tight Heads
- How to Water Broccoli: Preventing Split Heads and Bitter Taste
- How to Prune and Thin Broccoli for Better Growth
- Growing Broccoli in Hot Weather: How to Prevent Bolting
- How to Keep Broccoli from Bolting Early (And What to Do If It Does)
- Broccoli Growing Problems: Troubleshooting
- Why Are My Broccoli Heads Small or Loose? Top Growing Mistakes
4. Harvest & Storage
Get the timing right for best flavor.
- How and When to Harvest Broccoli for Peak Flavor and Yield
- How to Get a Second and Third Broccoli Harvest From One Plant
- How to Harvest and Store Broccoli
5. Kitchen & Table
Turn your harvest into meals.
6. Related Crops
Expand your brassica garden.
