Waltham 29 Broccoli

Harvest premium broccoli with large, flavorful heads using Waltham 29 – a cold-hardy heirloom variety that produces 4-8 inch central heads followed by abundant side shoots for extended harvests. This reliable variety delivers exceptional flavor, tender texture, and impressive yields perfect for fresh eating, freezing, and fall gardens.

Growing Information

• Days to maturity: 65-75 days from transplant
• Planting: Start seeds indoors 5-7 weeks before last frost, or direct sow in mid-summer for fall harvest; transplant when soil temperature reaches 50°F
• Spacing: 18-24 inches apart in rows 30-36 inches apart
• Sun: Full sun to partial shade (4-8 hours daily)
• Zones: 3-10 (cool-season crop, very cold-hardy)

Harvest & Use

Harvest central head when buds are tight and deep green, before flowers begin to open. Cut with 5-6 inches of stem to encourage side shoot production. Plants continue producing smaller side shoots for weeks after main harvest. Perfect for steaming, roasting, stir-fries, fresh eating with dip, adding to soups, or freezing for winter use. The sweet, mild flavor intensifies after light frost. Each plant produces 1-2 pounds of broccoli over the season.

Care Tips

Waltham 29 thrives in rich, well-drained soil with consistent moisture. Water regularly – about 1-2 inches per week. Mulch to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature. Side-dress with compost or nitrogen fertilizer when plants are 6-8 inches tall. Extremely cold-hardy, tolerating temperatures down to 20°F and improving in flavor after frost. Best grown for fall harvest in most climates. Companion plant with onions, herbs, or lettuce for natural pest management.

Why Choose Waltham 29

This classic variety offers exceptional cold-hardiness, extended harvest through side shoot production, and superior flavor that improves in cool weather. Whether you're growing for fresh eating or building your freezer stock for winter, Waltham 29 delivers reliable performance and premium quality that's made it a standard for home gardeners and market growers for over 60 years.