Broccoli Marathon F1 Plants - Brassica oleracea italica

The 'Marathon' F1 Broccoli is a hybrid variety that produces blue-green heads with a fine texture. This broccoli has good tolerance to bacterial rots. It can be prepared in various ways: quickly sautéed, gratin, quiche, mashed, soup, etc. The plants of this variety can be planted from April to September for a harvest from June to November.

Broccoli, is a vegetable whose flowers are consumed just before they bloom. It offers beautiful firm heads, mostly green but sometimes purplish or white. Broccoli belongs to the large family of Brassicaceae (formerly Cruciferae), like Cabbages: Cauliflower, Brussels Sprouts, Smooth-leafed Cabbage (or Drumhead Cabbage), Savoy Cabbage (or Milan Cabbage), Green Cabbage or Kale, Kohlrabi, Chinese Cabbage, etc. Broccoli's Latin name is Brassica oleracea italica.

Although introduced to France by Catherine de Medici, under the name Italian Asparagus, Broccoli has only been cultivated on a large scale in France since the 1980s.

Originally from southern Italy, this broccoli with a mild flavour is now highly appreciated because it lends itself to many preparations. Steamed, it can be prepared in various ways: quickly sautéed, gratin, quiche, mashed, soup, etc. It is a low-calorie vegetable and rich in vitamin C.

Like almost all cabbages (except Brussels sprouts), Broccoli is a demanding vegetable. It requires excellent organic matter and regular moisture.

Harvest: Broccoli is harvested in two stages: first the main head and then the side shoots, by cutting with a knife. The harvest of this variety takes place from June to November.

Storage: It is best to consume Broccoli quickly after harvest as it does not keep well, only a few days in the refrigerator. You can also freeze it after blanching for 3 minutes in salted boiling water.

Gardener's tip: In recent years, the Cabbage Midge (Contarinia nasturtii), a small winged and sucking fly, has been causing damage to Broccoli in certain regions such as Brittany. We recommend opting for prevention by installing insect-proof netting tightly on market garden hoops throughout the flight period, from mid-May to mid-July. These nets are easy to set up and reusable to protect, for example, your carrot and leek crops.