Broccoli seed buying guide

Choose the Right Broccoli Seeds

Broccoli is a productive cool-season crop with varieties suited to home vegetable gardens, market gardens and commercial growing. Although familiar green heading broccoli remains the most widely grown type, broccoli seed varieties differ considerably in plant size, harvest style, maturity, climate suitability and flavour.

Seedmart supplies traditional heading broccoli, heirloom varieties, modern hybrids, purple sprouting broccoli, Romanesco, baby stem types, broccoli raab and Chinese broccoli. Choosing the right variety will depend on your climate, planting season, available space and whether you prefer one main head or repeated harvests of tender shoots and stems.

Use this guide to compare the broccoli seeds listed above and select varieties suited to your garden and preferred harvest.

Why Grow Broccoli from Seed?

Wide Choice of Varieties

Grow classic green heads, purple shoots, Romanesco spirals, leafy broccoli raab or tender baby stems.

Reliable Cool-Season Crop

Broccoli performs particularly well through the cooler planting seasons in many Australian regions.

Different Harvest Styles

Choose varieties grown for large central heads, repeated side shoots, leaves, flower buds or tender stems.

Extended Harvests

Sprouting, baby stem and side-shooting types can continue producing after the first harvest.

Start Plants Economically

Growing from seed makes it practical to establish larger plantings and trial several varieties.

Packet and Bulk Quantities

Choose smaller packs for home gardens or larger quantities for repeated and commercial sowing.

Compare Broccoli Seed Varieties

Broccoli varieties vary in harvest type, appearance and growing characteristics. The table below provides a practical overview of the broccoli products available from Seedmart.

Broccoli Variety Harvest Type Best Suited To Key Characteristics
Calabrese Broccoli Central head with side shoots Home gardens and traditional vegetable production A classic heirloom broccoli with familiar green heads and useful secondary shoots.
Waltham 29 Broccoli Central head followed by side shoots Cool-season gardens and extended harvesting An established heirloom variety valued for dependable cool-weather performance.
Marathon Broccoli Large central head Uniform garden and commercial production Selected for consistent head formation and reliable crop performance.
Imperial Broccoli Central head Home gardens, market gardens and warm-season transitions A vigorous heading broccoli suited to growers seeking uniform plants and quality heads.
Camele Broccoli Central head Garden and production plantings A heading variety selected for crop uniformity and productive garden performance.
Purple Sprouting Broccoli Multiple tender flowering shoots Extended harvesting and cooler-season production Produces attractive purple shoots rather than one large conventional head.
Romanesco Broccoli Distinctive central head Speciality gardens, chefs and unusual vegetable displays Produces striking lime-green spiral heads with a delicate, mildly nutty flavour.
Broccoli Raab (Rapini) Leaves, stems and small flower buds Fast crops and Italian-style cooking A leafy brassica harvested for tender shoots and buds rather than a large broccoli head.
Chinese Broccoli Leaves, stems and developing flower buds Asian cooking and repeated stem harvests Also known as gai lan, with broad leaves and substantial tender stems.
Baby Broccoli Tender stems with small florets Quick cooking, side-shoot production and premium vegetables Grown for slender edible stems and small florets rather than oversized heads.

Growing performance and maturity will vary with planting time, temperature, soil fertility, variety and local conditions. Review the individual product page before sowing.

Which Broccoli Should I Grow?

Classic Garden Broccoli

Calabrese and Waltham 29

Choose these established varieties if you want familiar green broccoli heads followed by useful side-shoot production.

Uniform Heading Crops

Marathon, Imperial and Camele

Suitable for growers seeking consistent plant growth, central heads and more uniform harvests.

Repeated Shoot Harvests

Purple Sprouting Broccoli

Choose purple sprouting broccoli when you prefer multiple tender shoots over one large central head.

Unusual Appearance

Romanesco

Romanesco is an excellent choice for speciality vegetable gardens and growers wanting visually distinctive spiral heads.

Tender Stems

Baby Broccoli

Baby broccoli is grown for small florets and long, tender stems suited to steaming, roasting and stir-frying.

Leaf and Stem Harvest

Chinese Broccoli and Rapini

These crops are harvested for leaves, stems and flower buds rather than a conventional heading broccoli crop.

Understanding Different Types of Broccoli

Heading Broccoli

Heading broccoli forms a large central cluster of tightly packed flower buds. The main head is harvested before the buds open, and some varieties may then produce smaller side shoots.

  • Calabrese
  • Waltham 29
  • Marathon
  • Imperial
  • Camele

Shoot, Stem and Leaf Types

These broccoli and related brassica crops are selected for repeated shoots, tender stems, leaves or smaller flower buds instead of one large central head.

  • Purple Sprouting Broccoli
  • Baby Broccoli
  • Broccoli Raab
  • Chinese Broccoli
Romanesco occupies its own useful position within the range. It is grown for a single distinctive spiral head and is valued for both its ornamental appearance and culinary quality.

Heirloom and Hybrid Broccoli Seeds

Heirloom and Open-Pollinated Varieties

Open-pollinated broccoli varieties can produce seed that retains the general characteristics of the parent variety, provided plants are isolated from compatible brassicas and seed is selected carefully.

  • Useful for gardeners interested in traditional varieties
  • Can offer distinctive appearance, flavour or harvest habits
  • Suitable for seed saving when correct isolation is maintained
  • Includes established varieties such as Calabrese and Waltham 29

Hybrid Varieties

Hybrid broccoli is developed by crossing selected parent lines to produce particular characteristics in the first generation. These may include crop uniformity, head quality, vigour or adaptation to specific growing conditions.

  • Often selected for consistent plant and head development
  • Useful where uniform harvesting is important
  • May provide strong performance under particular conditions
  • Seed collected from hybrid plants will not reliably reproduce the original variety
Check the individual product description before ordering. The broccoli category includes both heirloom open-pollinated varieties and modern hybrid varieties.

When to Plant Broccoli in Australia

Broccoli generally performs best when plants develop during cool to mild conditions. Excessive heat can cause rapid development, loose heads or premature flowering, while severe frost may damage young seedlings or developing heads.

Climate General Planting Period Growing Considerations
Cool and temperate climates Late summer through autumn, with additional spring sowings where conditions permit Broccoli can often be grown across a broad cool-season window. Time crops to avoid severe frost during sensitive growth stages.
Subtropical climates Autumn through winter Sow so that head development occurs during the cooler months. Heat-tolerant varieties may extend the season.
Tropical climates Cooler and drier months Select varieties carefully and avoid periods of persistent heat and humidity where possible.
Protected or commercial production Varies with location, variety and production system Schedule sowings around temperature, market requirements and the expected maturity window of each variety.

Australian climates differ considerably. Use local conditions and the sowing information on each product page when planning your crop.

General Method for Growing Broccoli from Seed

  1. Choose the appropriate variety and planting time.
    Select broccoli suited to your climate, growing season and preferred harvest type.
  2. Prepare fertile, well-drained soil.
    Broccoli grows best in soil improved with compost or well-decomposed organic matter. Avoid sites that remain waterlogged.
  3. Sow directly or raise seedlings.
    Seeds may be sown into prepared garden beds or started in trays and transplanted after developing several true leaves.
  4. Provide adequate spacing.
    Allow enough room for mature plants to develop good airflow, broad leaves and full-sized heads or shoots.
  5. Maintain even moisture.
    Water consistently, particularly during establishment and head development. Irregular moisture can reduce crop quality.
  6. Feed during active growth.
    Broccoli is a productive leafy crop and generally performs best in fertile soil with adequate nutrition.
  7. Protect young plants.
    Monitor for caterpillars, aphids, snails, slugs and other pests commonly associated with brassica crops.
  8. Harvest before flowers open.
    Cut heads, shoots or stems while the flower buds remain compact. Check plants regularly as harvest approaches.
Do not wait for a broccoli head to become oversized. Heads and flowering shoots are generally at their best while the buds remain firm and tightly closed.

Producing More Than One Broccoli Harvest

Not every broccoli crop ends when the main head is removed. Many varieties can produce smaller shoots from buds lower on the stem after the first harvest.

Harvest the Main Head Carefully

Cut the central head with a section of stem while leaving healthy lower leaves and side buds intact.

Continue Watering and Feeding

Maintain plant health after the main harvest so developing side shoots have adequate moisture and nutrition.

Inspect Plants Regularly

Secondary shoots can develop quickly. Harvest them while the buds remain compact and before flowering begins.

Choose the Right Variety

Calabrese, Waltham 29, purple sprouting and baby stem types are particularly relevant where repeated harvesting is preferred.

Common Broccoli Growing Problems

Problem Possible Causes Management
Small or poorly developed heads Heat, overcrowding, transplant stress, inadequate fertility or moisture stress Plant at the appropriate time, maintain even moisture and provide sufficient spacing and nutrition.
Premature flowering High temperatures, plant stress or delayed harvesting Use suitable seasonal varieties and inspect developing heads frequently.
Loose heads Warm weather, rapid growth or unsuitable seasonal timing Schedule head development for cooler conditions and avoid excessive plant stress.
Caterpillar damage Cabbage white butterfly and other brassica-feeding moth larvae Inspect leaves regularly and use appropriate physical, biological or approved pest controls.
Weak or uneven seedlings Old seed, unsuitable temperatures, uneven moisture or poor seed-raising media Use quality seed, clean trays and an evenly moist, free-draining growing medium.
Plants form leaves but no useful head Excessive heat, incorrect planting time, plant stress or unsuitable variety Select broccoli suited to the season and maintain consistent growing conditions.

Broccoli Sprouts and Microgreens

Broccoli sprouts and broccoli microgreens are grown from broccoli seed but are produced and harvested differently from mature garden broccoli.

Broccoli Sprouts Broccoli Microgreens Garden Broccoli
Usually grown in a jar, bag or sprouting system without soil. Usually grown in a shallow tray using soil, coco coir, hemp or another growing medium. Grown in garden beds, raised beds, containers or commercial fields.
Generally harvested only a few days after germination. Generally harvested after the seed leaves open and the stems have developed. Grown for mature heads, shoots, stems or leaves over a much longer period.
The root, shoot and remaining seed are commonly harvested together. The stems and leaves are cut above the growing medium. The edible head, shoots, stems or leaves are harvested from an established plant.
Requires regular rinsing and thorough drainage. Requires light, airflow and careful tray watering. Requires fertile soil, garden spacing, watering and seasonal management.

For jars and sprouters

Broccoli Sprouting Seeds

Grow fresh broccoli sprouts indoors using a jar, sprouting lid or another well-drained sprouting system.

Shop Broccoli Sprouting Seeds

For tray production

Broccoli Microgreen Seeds

Grow broccoli microgreens in trays for a mild brassica crop with fresh green stems and seed leaves.

Shop Broccoli Microgreen Seeds

Need complete sprouting instructions? Read our guide to growing broccoli sprouts at home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which broccoli variety is easiest to grow?

Calabrese and Waltham 29 are established choices for home gardens. The best variety will still depend on your planting season, climate and whether you prefer one large head or repeated side-shoot harvests.

When should broccoli seeds be planted in Australia?

Broccoli is usually planted so that its main growth and head development occur during cool to mild weather. Autumn and winter are the principal growing seasons in many regions, while cool and temperate locations may also support spring crops.

What is the difference between Calabrese and sprouting broccoli?

Calabrese typically produces a substantial central green head followed by smaller side shoots. Sprouting broccoli is selected for multiple flowering shoots and may not form the same large, dense central head.

Is Romanesco a type of broccoli?

Romanesco is a brassica closely associated with broccoli and cauliflower. It is grown in much the same way and produces a distinctive lime-green head arranged in spiral patterns.

Is broccoli raab the same as ordinary broccoli?

No. Broccoli raab, also called rapini, is a related brassica grown for its leaves, stems and small flower buds. It does not produce the large central head associated with standard broccoli.

Is Chinese broccoli the same as heading broccoli?

No. Chinese broccoli, or gai lan, is grown primarily for its broad leaves, thick tender stems and developing flower buds. It is commonly used in stir-fries and steamed dishes.

Can broccoli be grown in containers?

Yes. Compact or individual broccoli plants can be grown in substantial containers with fertile potting mix, reliable drainage and regular watering. Larger heading varieties require more root space than leafy or baby stem types.

How long does broccoli take to grow?

Maturity varies considerably by variety, temperature and growing method. Baby stem and leafy types may provide earlier harvests, while heading and sprouting varieties generally require a longer growing period. Check each product page for variety-specific maturity information.

Can seed be saved from broccoli plants?

Seed may be saved from open-pollinated varieties, but broccoli readily crosses with compatible varieties and related brassicas. Plants must be isolated and allowed to flower and form mature seed pods. Seed collected from hybrid broccoli will not reliably reproduce the original variety.

Are broccoli sprouting seeds the same as garden broccoli seeds?

Broccoli sprouts can be produced from suitable untreated broccoli seed, but seed sold specifically for sprouting is selected and supplied for that growing purpose. Chemically treated garden seed should not be used to produce edible sprouts.

Broccoli seed for Australian growers

Grow Broccoli in Packet or Bulk Quantities

Seedmart supplies broccoli seeds for backyard gardens, market gardens and larger-scale production. The range includes traditional heirloom broccoli, uniform heading varieties, purple sprouting broccoli, Romanesco, baby stem types, broccoli raab and Chinese broccoli.

Browse the broccoli products above and review each individual product page for available pack sizes, sowing information and variety-specific growing guidance.