The Best Types of Broccoli to Grow in Michigan
Broccoli is a cool-season vegetable that thrives in Michigan’s temperate climate. With the state’s relatively mild springs and cool autumns, Michigan gardeners can enjoy a successful broccoli harvest with the right varieties. Choosing the best type of broccoli for Michigan involves selecting varieties that are well-suited to the growing season, resistant to pests and diseases, and capable of producing flavorful, tender heads.
Here’s a look at some of the top broccoli varieties to grow in Michigan, along with tips for achieving the best harvest.
1. ‘Arcadia’ Broccoli
Arcadia is a favorite variety for Michigan’s cooler regions. It is known for its cold tolerance, making it ideal for early spring and late fall planting. Arcadia produces medium-to-large heads with a deep green color and tight florets. It’s also known for side shoot production, which allows for a prolonged harvest after the main head is cut.
- Days to maturity: 63-70 days
- Key feature: Excellent cold tolerance, extended harvest from side shoots
2. ‘Green Magic’ Broccoli
Green Magic is another top choice for Michigan gardens. It’s a heat-tolerant variety, making it suitable for planting in warmer areas of the state or for mid-summer harvests. Green Magic produces uniform, medium-sized heads with a sweet flavor. Its tolerance to heat allows it to thrive even when temperatures rise, which can be particularly useful during unpredictable Michigan summers.
- Days to maturity: 60-65 days
- Key feature: Heat tolerance, consistent head production
3. ‘Calabrese’ Broccoli
Calabrese is an Italian heirloom variety that performs well in Michigan’s climate. It is a popular choice due to its large, dark green heads and flavorful florets. Calabrese also produces numerous side shoots, which extend the harvest over several weeks. This variety grows well in Michigan’s spring and fall seasons, providing gardeners with a rich, flavorful crop.
- Days to maturity: 60-90 days
- Key feature: Large heads, excellent for successive harvests
4. ‘Belstar’ Broccoli
Belstar is a hybrid variety that grows particularly well in Michigan’s cool springs and autumns. It’s known for producing dense, dome-shaped heads with a smooth texture and mild flavor. Belstar is an adaptable variety that can be grown in both spring and fall, providing a reliable crop regardless of the planting season.
- Days to maturity: 65-70 days
- Key feature: Versatility for both spring and fall growing seasons
5. ‘Waltham 29’ Broccoli
Waltham 29 is a cold-hardy heirloom variety, well-suited for Michigan’s unpredictable spring and fall weather. It produces large, blue-green heads with a robust flavor. Like other heirloom varieties, Waltham 29 is also known for its ability to produce side shoots, providing a longer harvesting window. This variety is ideal for planting in early spring or late summer for a fall harvest.
- Days to maturity: 70-85 days
- Key feature: Cold-hardy, excellent for fall planting
6. ‘Marathon’ Broccoli
Marathon is another highly recommended variety for Michigan gardeners, particularly in the fall. This hybrid variety thrives in cool weather and produces large, tight heads. Marathon is especially known for its resistance to downy mildew, which can be a concern in Michigan’s humid growing conditions. It’s also a great choice for freezing due to its high-quality heads and firm texture.
- Days to maturity: 68-75 days
- Key feature: Disease resistance, perfect for fall crops
7. ‘De Cicco’ Broccoli
De Cicco is an Italian heirloom variety known for its tender heads and high production of side shoots. It matures earlier than some other varieties, making it a good choice for gardeners who want to stagger their harvests. While the heads are smaller than some hybrids, De Cicco is valued for its continuous harvest of tender, flavorful shoots.
- Days to maturity: 48-65 days
- Key feature: Early maturity, great for successive planting
Tips for Growing Broccoli in Michigan
1. Timing Your Planting
Broccoli is a cool-weather crop, so it’s important to time planting around Michigan’s seasonal changes. Planting in early spring, as soon as the soil can be worked, is ideal. For a fall crop, start seeds indoors in mid-summer and transplant them outside in late July to early August. This ensures that broccoli matures during the cooler temperatures of autumn, which is crucial for achieving tender, flavorful heads.
2. Soil Preparation
Broccoli prefers rich, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. Before planting, amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to ensure it is nutrient-dense. Broccoli is a heavy feeder and benefits from soil rich in organic matter.
3. Watering and Care
Broccoli needs consistent moisture to thrive, so aim to keep the soil evenly moist. Mulching around the base of the plants can help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature, which is especially important during the warmer summer months.
4. Pest and Disease Management
Common pests that affect broccoli include cabbage worms, aphids, and flea beetles. To manage pests:
- Use row covers to protect young plants from insects.
- Handpick pests if you notice them or use organic insecticidal soaps.
Broccoli is also susceptible to diseases such as clubroot and downy mildew. Rotating crops and practicing good garden hygiene can help prevent these diseases from taking hold.
5. Harvesting
Broccoli heads should be harvested while the buds are still tight and before the flowers open. Cut the main head with a sharp knife, leaving the rest of the plant intact. Many broccoli varieties will continue to produce side shoots, allowing you to enjoy an extended harvest throughout the growing season.
Michigan’s cool climate is ideal for growing a variety of broccoli types, from heirloom varieties like ‘Calabrese’ and ‘Waltham 29’ to reliable hybrids like ‘Belstar’ and ‘Green Magic.’ By selecting the right variety and providing the proper care, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of fresh, nutritious broccoli throughout the growing season.
