‘Bravo for broccoli!'
‘Gemini’
This F1 hybrid is one of the fastest broccoli varieties to crop. Sown March to May, the attractive green, dome-shaped heads can mature in 80 days, between July to mid-November. The variety is productive, producing sideshoots after the main head is harvested and has good resistance to disease. Price: £2.99/25 seeds. From: www.dobies.co.uk; tel: 0344 967 0303.
‘Jacaranda’
Unusual broccoli/cauliflower cross produces medium to large, blue-green leaves and deep purple sprouts. Early maturing, the large, round heads have a mild, sweet flavour. Sow indoors March-April, plant out from May for harvesting July to early October. Price: £3.49/15 seeds. From: www. marshallsgarden.com; tel: 0344 557 6700.
‘Purple Rain’
This British-bred hybrid will produce fresh young, purple-coloured spears for many weeks. Sow little and often from January to March under glass and plant out in late spring to obtain a continuous supply from summer into late autumn. Plants have good heat tolerance and are slow to bolt.
From:
Price: £2.99/40 seeds. www.mrfothergills.co.uk; tel: 0333 777 3936.