Best Types of Broccoli to Grow in Illinois

Broccoli is a cool-season vegetable that thrives in regions with moderate temperatures, making Illinois a suitable location for growing this nutritious plant. Broccoli can grow well in both spring and fall in Illinois, as the state’s variable climate offers the cool weather that broccoli prefers. However, choosing the right varieties is key to a successful harvest. Below are the best types of broccoli to grow in Illinois, along with tips to ensure a bountiful crop.

1. ‘Green Magic’

‘Green Magic’ is a heat-tolerant broccoli variety that is perfect for Illinois’ fluctuating temperatures, especially during late spring and early fall. It produces medium to large heads with a smooth dome and a blue-green color. It matures in approximately 55 to 60 days, making it ideal for both spring and fall planting.

Key Features:

  • Heat-tolerant, ideal for Illinois’ variable climate
  • Matures in 55 to 60 days
  • Compact and uniform growth

2. ‘Belstar’

Another excellent choice for Illinois growers, ‘Belstar’ broccoli is known for its adaptability to both warm and cool temperatures. It is a hybrid variety that produces dense, uniform heads with a dark green color. It matures in about 65 days and is resistant to common diseases like downy mildew.

Key Features:

  • Suitable for spring, summer, or fall planting
  • Disease-resistant, including downy mildew
  • Matures in 65 days

3. ‘Calabrese’

‘Calabrese’ is an heirloom variety known for its large heads and flavorful side shoots. This variety is particularly good for fall planting in Illinois. It produces smaller side heads after the main head is harvested, giving gardeners a continuous harvest over several weeks. It matures in around 60 to 70 days.

Key Features:

  • Best for fall planting
  • Offers multiple harvests due to side shoots
  • Matures in 60 to 70 days

4. ‘Gypsy’

‘Gypsy’ broccoli is another hybrid that performs well in Illinois due to its tolerance of heat and adaptability to various soil conditions. It produces high-quality, dark green heads and is known for its disease resistance, particularly to downy mildew. This variety matures in about 58 to 65 days and performs well during both the spring and fall growing seasons.

Key Features:

  • Heat-tolerant and disease-resistant
  • Ideal for spring and fall planting
  • Matures in 58 to 65 days

5. ‘Arcadia’

‘Arcadia’ is a cold-hardy variety, making it a fantastic option for fall planting in Illinois. This variety is known for producing large, heavy heads and multiple side shoots after the main head is harvested. It is resistant to frost and can withstand early frosts in the fall. It matures in about 63 days.

Key Features:

  • Cold-hardy, excellent for fall planting
  • Produces side shoots for an extended harvest
  • Matures in 63 days

6. ‘Packman’

For gardeners who want a fast-growing broccoli variety, ‘Packman’ is a great option. It matures in as little as 50 to 55 days, making it one of the quickest maturing varieties available. It produces large heads with a bright green color and numerous side shoots, allowing for multiple harvests.

Key Features:

  • Fast-growing, maturing in 50 to 55 days
  • Produces numerous side shoots for continuous harvest
  • Best for spring and early summer planting

Growing Tips for Broccoli in Illinois

  1. Timing: Start broccoli seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost date for spring planting. For a fall crop, start seeds in mid-summer.

  2. Soil Requirements: Broccoli grows best in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. Add compost or well-rotted manure to the soil to provide nutrients.

  3. Planting: Transplant broccoli seedlings outdoors when they are about 4 to 6 weeks old, with a spacing of 18 to 24 inches between plants. Ensure they are planted in a sunny location.

  4. Watering: Broccoli needs consistent moisture to thrive, especially during head formation. Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on rainfall.

  5. Fertilizing: Use a balanced fertilizer when transplanting seedlings and again when the heads start to form. Organic options like fish emulsion or compost tea work well.

  6. Pest Control: Watch out for common pests like cabbage worms and aphids. Consider using row covers or organic insecticides to protect your plants.

  7. Harvesting: Harvest broccoli heads when they are firm and tight, before the florets start to open. After the main head is harvested, many varieties will continue to produce smaller side shoots for additional harvests.

Conclusion

Illinois’ climate provides a great opportunity for growing broccoli, especially when you choose the right varieties. ‘Green Magic,’ ‘Belstar,’ ‘Calabrese,’ and the other varieties listed above are all excellent choices for ensuring a successful broccoli crop. By following proper planting and care techniques, you can enjoy fresh, homegrown broccoli throughout the growing season.