Green Magic (F1) Broccoli

Green Magic, (F1) Broccoli looks similar to other types of broccoli with a green, compact head made up of tightly clustered florets that resemble a tree. The individual florets are small and densely packed, giving the head a firm and solid texture. The stalks and leaves of Green Magic broccoli are also green, and the plant can grow to be about 18-24 inches tall. 

However, the Green Magic variety is known for its early maturity and high yield, which means that it can produce a larger number of smaller heads over a longer period of time compared to other varieties.  Overall, Green Magic, (F1) Broccoli is a nutritious and delicious vegetable that can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes.

Broccoli is a green vegetable that belongs to the cabbage family. It is known for its tightly clustered florets that resemble a tree, and it is a great source of nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin K, fiber, and potassium. The Green Magic variety of broccoli is an F1 hybrid that is known for its early maturity and high yield.

Planting, timing, and watering details are very specific. Temperature is also a big factor. Long periods of hot weather may cause heat stress, which damages the plant and its development.  Standard broccoli prefers cooler temperatures and grows best in the spring and fall. For this reason it is known as a “cool season” vegetable.

Spring planting: Start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks prior to your last frost dates.
Be sure not to expose spring transplants to frost.
Summer planting (for a fall crop): Slightly less time is needed for a fall crop. This is due to seedlings often grow faster in the summer than in the spring. Start seeds six weeks prior to planting. A good practice for the day to start your seeds is to calculate your plant date by counting back approximately two months from your first frost dates.
Broccoli should tolerate a light frost when it is planted as a fall crop.

To grow and harvest Green Magic, (F1) Broccoli Seeds, you will need:

• Green Magic (F1) broccoli seeds
• A seed-starting tray or small pots
• Seed-starting mix
• Grow lights or a sunny windowsill
• Fertilizer
• Garden soil

Steps to grow and harvest Green Magic, (F1) Broccoli Seeds:

1. Fill the seed tray or small pots with potting soil.
2. Moisten the soil with water and let it drain.
3. Sow the De Cicco Organic Broccoli seeds on the surface of the soil and gently press them in.  Broccoli needs well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5 (slightly acidic to slightly alkaline).
4. Cover the seeds lightly with soil.
5. Water the soil gently with a watering can or a spray bottle.
6. Cover the seed tray or pots with a plastic wrap or a clear plastic lid to create a mini greenhouse effect.
7. Place the seed tray or pots in a warm, sunny location.
8. Water the soil regularly to keep it moist but not waterlogged.
9. After the seedlings emerge, remove the plastic cover and move them to a sunny location.
10. When the plants are big enough, transplant them into larger pots or directly into the garden.
11. Fertilize the plants every few weeks during the growing season.  Broccoli is a heavy nitrogen feeder, making nitrogen-rich compost a good source for the nutrient.
12. When harvesting broccoli, cut the center head before its flower buds open. The plant will produce secondary shoots if left in the ground. Be sure to cut the center head and not the small secondary shoots which will start to emerge a few inches down on either side of the stalk. Harvesting shoots as they develop will encourage more growth.

Consistent soil moisture will produce the best broccoli heads. At a minimum, supply one inch of water per week. Ideally this is through rainfall, but that is not always possible.  There are two critical watering periods:

1. When the transplants are being established, just after planting.
2. When the head develops.

Optimal temperature for broccoli head production is 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit, making spring and fall crops the most successful.

For more information, check out Farmer’s Almanac information on how to grow broccoli.

The medicinal benefits of Green Magic, (F1) Broccoli Seeds are numerous. Broccoli is known to have cancer-fighting properties due to the presence of a compound called sulforaphane, which has been shown to reduce the risk of certain types of cancer. It is also rich in antioxidants, which can help prevent cell damage and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. Additionally, broccoli is a good source of fiber, which can aid in digestion and promote regularity.