Brassica oleracea 'Waltham 29', Waltham 29 Broccoli
1 / 4
Annuals

Brassica oleracea 'Waltham 29'

Waltham 29 Broccoli

BrassicaceaeMediterranean

At a Glance

Typevegetable
Habitupright
Foliagedeciduous
Height18-24 inches
Width18-20 inches

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.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Container Friendly
Maintenancemoderate

Overview

Brassica oleracea 'Waltham 29' is a compact, cool-season vegetable cultivar developed for its reliable production of large, dense flower heads. This broccoli variety produces sturdy plants with thick, upright stems that support substantial central heads measuring 6-8 inches across. The blue-green foliage is broad and waxy, forming a rosette around the base with leaves that can reach 12-18 inches in length. After the main head is harvested, Brassica oleracea 'Waltham 29' typically produces numerous smaller side shoots, extending the harvest period. The flower heads consist of tightly packed, small flower buds that form the edible portion, displaying a rich green color with excellent uniformity. This cultivar is particularly valued for its cold tolerance and ability to maintain quality even in fluctuating temperatures.

Native Range

Brassica oleracea is native to the Mediterranean region and Atlantic coasts of France, Spain, and the British Isles. The species naturally occurs on limestone cliffs and rocky shores where it grows as a wild cabbage. 'Waltham 29' is a modern cultivar developed through selective breeding programs.

Suggested Uses

Brassica oleracea 'Waltham 29' works well in vegetable gardens, raised beds, and large containers. Excellent for fresh eating, steaming, roasting, and freezing. The uniform heads make it ideal for home gardeners wanting reliable harvests and commercial growers seeking consistent quality. Plant in succession every 2-3 weeks for continuous harvest. The compact size makes it suitable for smaller garden spaces and intensive planting schemes.

How to Identify

Brassica oleracea 'Waltham 29' can be identified by its compact growth habit, typically reaching 18-24 inches tall and wide. The central flower head is notably large and uniform, with tightly packed dark green florets and a dense, dome-shaped appearance. The stem is thick and sturdy, usually 4-6 inches in diameter at the base of the head. Leaves are blue-green with a waxy coating, deeply lobed, and arranged in a loose rosette. Unlike some broccoli varieties, Brassica oleracea 'Waltham 29' maintains its compact form and produces well-proportioned side shoots after the main head is cut.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1'6" - 2'
Width/Spread1'6" - 1'8"

Colors

Flower Colors

yellow

Foliage Colors

green
blue

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
SpringSummer
Late spring to early summer if not harvested

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Small yellow flowers if allowed to bolt

Foliage Description

Blue-green with waxy coating

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
• 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
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

moderate to high

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

65-75 days

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Brassica oleracea 'Waltham 29' requires consistent moisture and fertile, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Water regularly, providing 1-1.5 inches per week, ensuring soil remains evenly moist but not waterlogged. Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting and side-dress with nitrogen-rich fertilizer 3 weeks after transplanting. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Monitor for common brassica pests including cabbage worms, aphids, and flea beetles. Row covers can provide protection from pests and extend the growing season. In hot weather, provide afternoon shade to prevent premature bolting.

Pruning

Brassica oleracea 'Waltham 29' requires minimal pruning beyond harvesting. Cut the main head when florets are tight and dark green, before individual flowers begin to open. Make the cut 5-6 inches down the stem to encourage side shoot development. Remove yellowing or damaged lower leaves throughout the growing season to improve air circulation. After harvesting side shoots, remove the entire plant and compost healthy plant material. If plants begin to bolt prematurely, remove flower stalks immediately to redirect energy back to head formation.

Maintenance Level

moderate

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 5 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Brassica oleracea 'Waltham 29' is non-toxic and safe for human consumption. All parts of the plant are edible, though the flower heads are the primary harvest. Generally safe around pets, though large quantities of raw brassicas may cause digestive upset in some animals. No known toxic compounds present in this vegetable crop.

Planting Guide

Planting Methods & Timing

Planting Method

transplant

Indoor Start

6 weeks before last frost

Direct Sow Timing

early spring, 2-4 weeks before last frost

Days to Maturity

65–75 days

Plant Spacing

18 inches

Companion Planting

Good Companions

lettuce
spinach
onions
carrots
beets
celery
herbs

Avoid Planting With

tomatoes
peppers
strawberries
pole beans