Umpqua Broccoli
Umpqua Broccoli
60 days. Umpqua was developed by Tim Peters in 1990, and named after the Umpqua River in Oregon. Unlike many open-pollinated varieties, Umpqua defies the stereotypical "best suited for home gardens" label, as it has been successfully grown for fresh market and CSA production.
The plants are robust, displaying a sublime blue-green color that is visually appealing from a distance. Umpqua produces large, loose heads that range from 5 to 8 inches, showcasing a handsome uniform dark-green hue. Its growth is impressive, maturing over a period of about two weeks with strong side shoots continuing for an additional couple of weeks. The variety exhibits good stress tolerance and resists premature bolting, making it suitable for both spring and fall crops.
Umpqua's flavor profile is a highlight, described as sweet and succulent, surpassing the taste of grocery store broccoli. The heads have a mild spice when eaten raw, adding versatility to its culinary appeal. The variety has ruined the palates of those who have grown up with it, making it challenging to appreciate store-bought broccoli.
Each packet contains 0.5 grams, which is about 125-150 seeds.
You can also plant directly in the soil, at a depth of about ¼ to ½ inch, in mid-Spring. Thin to a final plant spacing of 15 to 18 inches in rows two to three feet apart.
Avoid providing too much nitrogen. Broccoli likes cool weather and will head too early in warm temperatures. Harvest the heads before the individual flowers mature and begin to open.
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