Calabrese Broccoli
Marathon is an F1 hybrid broccoli that delivers reliable 68-day harvests in a compact bush form, making it exceptionally practical for both spring and fall gardens. This variety earns particular praise for its ability to overwinter, a trait that opens up season-extending possibilities many gardeners overlook. It thrives in well-drained, fertile soil with consistent moisture and moderate temperatures, it's not a heat-lover, but rather a cool-season performer that rewards thoughtful timing.
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Marathon stands out for its overwintering capability, a quality that sets it apart in the broccoli world and allows gardeners to push their harvest window into deeper fall and early winter months. The 68-day timeline to maturity is competitive without sacrificing the vigor of an F1 hybrid. Its bush growth habit keeps plants compact and manageable, while the reliable performance across spring and fall crops makes it a workhorse variety rather than a seasonal gamble.
Marathon broccoli is grown for its florets, which are harvested at peak readiness and prepared fresh, steamed, roasted, or incorporated into a wide range of cooked dishes. The tight head structure typical of F1 hybrids makes this variety particularly suitable for markets and home gardens where uniform, attractive florets are desired.
Start seeds indoors 4–6 weeks before your target transplant date. Use a seed-starting mix kept consistently moist (not saturated) and maintain temperatures around 65–75°F for germination. Transplants should be sturdy and true-leafed before moving outdoors.
Harden off seedlings gradually over 7–10 days by exposing them to increasing outdoor conditions. Transplant when soil has warmed to at least 50°F and night temperatures stay above 40°F. Space plants 18–24 inches apart in rows 24–30 inches apart. For fall crops, transplant in mid-to-late summer to allow harvest before hard freezes.
Harvest Marathon broccoli when the main head reaches full size but before florets begin to loosen or flower. Cut the central head with a sharp knife about 1, 2 inches below the head, angling the cut slightly to shed water. Side shoots often develop after the main head is harvested, producing smaller secondary heads over several weeks, continue harvesting these as they mature. The overwintering capability of Marathon means you can leave plants in the ground through fall and early winter if your climate permits, extending your harvest window well beyond summer crops.
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