What hardiness zones is Brassica oleracea 'Waltham 29' suitable for?

Brassica oleracea 'Waltham 29' is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b.

What are the sun requirements for Brassica oleracea 'Waltham 29'?

Brassica oleracea 'Waltham 29' requires Full Sun.

How much water does Brassica oleracea 'Waltham 29' need?

Brassica oleracea 'Waltham 29' has High water needs.

Brassica oleracea 'Waltham 29', Waltham 29 Broccoli

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Vegetables

Brassica oleracea 'Waltham 29'

Waltham 29 Broccoli

Brassicaceae

Coastal Europe (B. oleracea italica; Waltham 29 developed UMass 1954; AAS winner; 29th selection; most cold-hardy broccoli; open-pollinated)

At a Glance

TypeAnnual

HabitUpright

FoliageDeciduous

Height18-24 inches (45-60 cm)

Width18-24 inches (45-60 cm)

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

3a - 9b

Zone 3a Zone 3b Zone 4a Zone 4b Zone 5a Zone 5b Zone 6a Zone 6b Zone 7a Zone 7b Zone 8a Zone 8b Zone 9a Zone 9b

These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.

What's my zone? →

Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Container Friendly

Maintenancemoderate

Overview

Brassica oleracea 'Waltham 29' is an annual vegetable reaching 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) tall with a spread of 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) and an upright, compact habit. Developed at the University of Massachusetts at Waltham Field Station in 1954, it produces a medium to large central head 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) in diameter—larger than 'Di Cicco'—with tight, uniform, dark green buds, followed by side shoots. The '29' refers to the 29th selection in the breeding program. Days to maturity 65-80 from transplant. Growth rate is moderate. AAS winner 1954. Cold-tolerant—one of the most cold-hardy broccolis, often grown for late fall harvest. Open-pollinated. Produces both a sizable central head and moderate side shoots.

Native Range

Brassica oleracea (italica group—broccoli) descended from wild cabbage native to coastal Europe. 'Waltham 29' was developed at UMass Waltham Field Station in 1954.

Suggested Uses

Grown in vegetable gardens for culinary use—steaming, roasting, stir-fry, raw. Larger central head than Di Cicco. AAS 1954 UMass. Most cold-hardy broccoli—fall harvest. Open-pollinated—seed saving. Both central head and side shoots. 65-80 days. Not suitable for earliest harvest (Di Cicco faster) or single-cut commercial harvest.

How to Identify

Distinguished from 'Di Cicco' by the larger central head (4-6 versus 3-4 inches), the later maturity (65-80 versus 50-65 days), and the greater cold tolerance. Distinguished from modern hybrids by the open-pollinated breeding and the moderate (versus minimal) side-shoot production. Waltham 29—larger central head, AAS 1954, most cold-hardy, UMass breeding, open-pollinated, both head and side shoots.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1'6" - 2'

Width/Spread1'6" - 2'

Colors

Flower Colors

yellow

Foliage Colors

blue

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Yellow four-petaled flowers if heads not harvested. Harvest central head when buds are tight and dark green—before any yellow. Side shoots continue for 2-3 weeks.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Yellow; four-petaled; harvest before any yellow shows

Foliage Description

Blue-green; central dark green head 4-6 inches plus side shoots

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun

Requires 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

High

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

65-80 days from transplant

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Start seed indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost, or direct sow in midsummer for fall harvest. Rich, moist, well-drained soil (pH 6.0-7.0). Consistent moisture. Days to maturity 65-80 from transplant. One of the most cold-hardy broccolis—fall harvest in most climates. Cut central head when 4-6 inches with tight buds. Leave plant for side shoots.