Broccoli ‘Marathon’ (Brassica oleracea var. Italica)

One of the easiest of the cole crops for home gardeners to grow, Broccoli ‘Marathon’ is a solid producer with delicious flavor and outstanding results in the garden. ‘Marathon’ is a late variety that over-winters very well in California. They have heavy, blue-green heads with a high dome and tight beads, making it easy to harvest.

When harvesting, look for heads whose flowers have not yet opened, and cut the thick stalk of the center head. Enjoy right away or store in the refrigerator. Harvest secondary side shoots as they appear to encourage continued production. Because this is a cool season crop, when the weather starts to warm, the heads mature much faster and should be monitored closely and harvested before setting flowers.

The leaves of ‘Marathon’ are frost tolerant however the heads can be frost tender. If you know that frost is imminent, cover the developing crowns with row cover or some other form of protection. Plant in fertile well-drained soil that is high in organic matter, and has a pH of 6.0 – 7.5. Provide consistent irrigation and fertilize once or twice before heads start to form. Space plants 1.5 – 2 feet apart in rows that are 3 feet apart. They grow 30 - 36 inches tall x 40 - 45 inches wide, with a fruit size of 4 - 6 inches.

The Sunset Western Garden Climate Zones are “All Zones”, and the maturity days range between 60 – 75. We are currently growing Broccoli ‘Marathon’ in 6 pack flats.