Rasmus is an heirloom broccoli from the Swiss seed company Sativa Rheinau that consistently delivers what many gardeners chase but rarely find: large, uniform 7-inch heads with dense, full-thickness florets. In trials against popular F1 hybrids, Rasmus outperformed them on both quality and reliability, making it a standout choice for gardeners who want the assurance of an open-pollinated variety without compromises. Ready to harvest in 60 to 70 days, this frost-hardy compact grower produces multiple side shoots after the main head is cut, extending your harvest window well into autumn.
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Rasmus consistently produces remarkably uniform 7-inch heads with thick, full florets that rival or exceed many hybrid broccoli varieties. Its open-pollinated genetics mean you can save seed from your best plants year after year, and the compact growth habit makes it manageable even in smaller gardens. The plant's ability to generate substantial side shoots after the main harvest gives you weeks of additional picking, turning a single planting into a prolonged broccoli season.
Rasmus broccoli is grown for its florets, which are harvested fresh and used in the kitchen much like any quality broccoli crop. The large, uniform heads work well for farmers markets and direct-sale operations, where consistent appearance commands premium prices. Home gardeners value it for roasting, steaming, raw platters, and stir-fries, while the abundant side shoots provide weeks of smaller, tender florets perfect for quick cooking.
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Start Rasmus seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks before your intended transplant date in a seed-starting mix kept at 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Provide bright light once seedlings emerge, either from a grow light or a sunny windowsill, to prevent legging.
Harden off seedlings over 7 to 10 days before transplanting outdoors. Move plants to the garden when soil has warmed to at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit and all danger of hard frost has passed, though Rasmus tolerates light frosts once established. Space transplants 12 inches apart in their final location.
Rasmus can be direct-seeded where summers are cool or when planting for fall and winter harvest. Sow seeds directly into the garden bed at the same spacing and soil temperature as transplanting.
Harvest the main head when it reaches full size, typically 7 inches across, with tight, firm florets still tightly closed and deep green in color. Cut the main head with a sharp knife, leaving the lower stem and leaves intact; this encourages the plant to produce numerous smaller side shoots that will continue producing for weeks. Monitor side shoots as they develop and harvest when they reach 3 to 5 inches long and before florets begin to loosen or yellow.
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“Rasmus comes directly from Sativa Rheinau, a Swiss seed company with deep roots in heirloom preservation and open-pollinated breeding. Rather than chase the quick profits of hybrid development, Sativa Rheinau invested in stabilizing a broccoli variety that performs reliably without hybrid vigor or replanting costs. The variety represents a deliberate counterpoint to the F1 dominance in commercial broccoli breeding, proving that heritage open-pollinated varieties can match or exceed modern hybrids when properly selected and maintained.”