Marathon Broccoli

Marathon Broccoli is a hybrid broccoli variety that is widely-adaptable and exceptionally cold-tolerant. This variety performs well when grown in the fall and early spring in northern, colder states. It also is a solid producer when overwintered throughout the fall and winter months in southern states. Grow it anywhere in the country with exceptional results!

Marathon Broccoli  produces consistent yields of large broccoli heads early and later in the growing season. Broccoli heads are heavy and have a high dome, making them easier to harvest. The heads also have small, tight beads which makes them extremely palatable. This is a great variety for backyard gardeners or small-scale market farmers.

Broccoli may be direct-seeded, but it performs best when transplanted. Transplanting allows for more consistent plant spacing, and prevents broccoli seedlings from competing with weeds in the early stages of the plant. We recommend starting transplants 3-4 weeks before the desired outdoor planting date. Broccoli transplants grow great in our heavy-duty seed starting trays, where they develop a solid root ball with roots that are trained to grow downward. Plants are ready to go in the ground when they can be easily pulled from the cells in the seed starting tray.

Broccoli crowns should be harvested when they are dark green, before any flowers or seeds develop on the crowns. As temperatures warm in the spring, broccoli crowns will mature faster and should be monitored. Although broccoli leaves are frost-tolerant, broccoli heads are not. If frost is imminent while crowns are developing, be sure to use some form of row cover to protect the crowns from frost.

Marathon Broccoli Planting Information

Planting Method: transplant

When to Plant: early spring and fall

Planting Depth: 1/4″

Seed Spacing: 12″

Row Spacing: 2-3′

Days to Maturity: 70

Disease Resistance: None