Broccoli Waltham 29 Vegetable Seeds

BROCCOLI ‘WALTHAM 29’ Seeds

Botanical Name: Brassica oleracea var. italica

• Classic heirloom broccoli variety producing large, dense blue-green heads with excellent flavour.
• Reliable cool-season crop suited to home gardeners, market growers, and succession planting.
• Produces generous side shoots after the main head is harvested for extended picking.
• Excellent for steaming, stir-fries, soups, roasting, and fresh salads.
• Strong-performing variety for Australian autumn, winter, and spring growing conditions.

Broccoli ‘Waltham 29’ is one of the most trusted heirloom broccoli varieties for Australian gardens, valued for its strong yields, reliable performance, and excellent flavour. This hardy cool-season variety forms large, uniform central heads followed by multiple side shoots, giving growers a longer harvest window and better overall productivity.

Ideal for both home gardens and small-scale growers, Waltham 29 performs best in fertile, well-drained soil with consistent moisture and plenty of sunlight. It handles light frosts well and thrives during the cooler months when many other vegetables struggle. Its firm texture, sweet flavour, and strong regrowth make it a dependable choice for both fresh eating and kitchen use.

For a full seasonal overview of different broccoli types, see our Complete Guide to Growing Broccoli Varieties in Australia.

Plant Details

• Plant Type: Annual cool-season vegetable
• Mature Height: Approximately 60–75 cm
• Frost Hardy: Yes – tolerates light frosts well
• Days to Harvest: 70–100 days
• Position: Full sun

Sowing Information

• Germination: 7–14 days
• Sowing Depth: 5–10 mm
• Plant Spacing: 30–45 cm apart
• Row Spacing: 50–70 cm apart
• Soil: Rich, fertile, well-drained soil with pH 6.0–7.5
• Watering: Keep consistently moist during growth

Growing Tips

• Broccoli is a heavy feeder and performs best when compost or aged manure is added before planting.
• Apply mulch around plants to retain moisture, reduce weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
• Feed regularly with a nitrogen-rich fertiliser during early growth, then switch to a balanced feed before heading.
• Protect seedlings from cabbage moth caterpillars using netting or regular manual checking.
• Avoid planting broccoli in the same bed as other brassicas year after year to reduce pest and disease pressure.

Harvest

Harvest the main head when it is firm, compact, and before flower buds begin to open. Cut the central head with a section of stem attached, then allow side shoots to continue growing for multiple smaller harvests over several weeks.

Companion Planting

• Sage: Helps repel cabbage moths, aphids, and flea beetles
• Nasturtium: Excellent trap crop for aphids and whiteflies
• Chamomile: Supports healthy plant growth and attracts beneficial insects
• Dill: Attracts pollinators and predatory insects
• Onions & Celery: Useful for improving pest resistance and garden diversity

Using companion plants like sage and nasturtium alongside Broccoli ‘Waltham 29’ helps create a healthier, more productive vegetable garden while reducing common pest pressure naturally.