Description: 250WALTHAMBROCCOLISEEDS Cultivating Waltham Broccoli: An In-Depth Guide Broccoli, specifically Waltham Broccoli, is a nutritious and delicious vegetable that is widely enjoyed by many. If you are interested in cultivating this particular variety of broccoli in your garden, then this in-depth guide will provide you with all the necessary information to successfully grow and harvest Waltham Broccoli. 1. Choosing the right location: Selecting an ideal location for your Waltham Broccoli is crucial for its successful growth. It requires a spot that receives full sun exposure (at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight every day). The soil should be well-draining, rich in organic matter, and slightly acidic with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. 2. Preparing the soil: Before planting, it is essential to prepare the soil properly. Begin by removing any weeds, rocks, or debris from the area. Incorporate compost or aged manure into the soil to improve its fertility and texture. Work the soil to a depth of 12-18 inches, breaking up any large clumps. 3. Sowing the seeds: Waltham Broccoli can be started from either seeds or transplants. If starting from seeds, sow them directly into the prepared garden bed about 4-6 weeks before the last frost date. Plant the seeds ½ inch deep and space them 18-24 inches apart, leaving 2-3 feet between rows. 4. Transplanting seedlings: If using transplants, start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date. Once the seedlings are around 4-6 weeks old and have developed a few true leaves, they can be transplanted into the garden. Space the transplants 18-24 inches apart in rows with 2-3 feet of space between them. 5. Watering and fertilizing: Keep the soil consistently moist throughout the growing season. Water deeply but infrequently, ensuring the water reaches the root zone. Avoid overhead watering as it can increase the risk of diseases. Apply a balanced vegetable fertilizer every few weeks to provide the plants with essential nutrients. 6. Weed control: Regular weeding is crucial to ensure that the broccoli plants are not choked by invasive weeds. Mulching around the plants can help suppress weed growth and retain soil moisture. 7. Pest and disease management: Waltham Broccoli can be susceptible to pests such as cabbage worms, aphids, and flea beetles. Regularly inspect the plants for any signs of infestation and take appropriate measures such as introducing beneficial insects or using organic insecticides to control pests. Also, practice crop rotation to reduce the risk of disease build-up. 8. Harvesting: Waltham Broccoli is typically ready for harvest 70-90 days after planting, depending on the variety and growing conditions. Harvest the central/main head when it reaches full size, but before it starts to flower. Cut the stalk with a sharp knife, leaving a 6-inch stem. Side shoots will develop, allowing for additional harvests over several weeks. Popular Recipe: Broccoli and Cheddar Soup Ingredients: - 4 cups of chopped Waltham Broccoli florets - 1 onion, chopped - 2 cloves of garlic, minced - 4 cups of vegetable or chicken broth - 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup of heavy cream - Salt and pepper to taste Instructions: 1. In a large pot, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic in a little olive oil until translucent. 2. Add the chopped broccoli florets and continue cooking for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. 3. Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until the broccoli is tender. 4. Carefully transfer the soup to a blender or use an immersion blender to puree the mixture until smooth. 5. Return the soup to the pot and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and well combined. 6. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring continuously. 7. Season with salt and pepper to taste. 8. Simmer the soup for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. 9. Serve hot and enjoy! Health Benefits of Waltham Broccoli: Waltham Broccoli is a nutrient-packed vegetable that offers numerous health benefits. Here are several key benefits: 1. Rich in vitamins and minerals: Waltham Broccoli is an excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate. It also contains minerals such as potassium, calcium, and iron. 2. High in fiber: Consuming Waltham Broccoli can contribute to a healthy digestive system due to its high fiber content, promoting regular bowel movements. 3. Antioxidant properties: The presence of antioxidants like vitamin C, beta-carotene, and selenium helps protect cells against damage caused by free radicals, reducing the risk of chronic diseases. 4. Supports immune system: Waltham Broccoli's vitamin C content boosts the immune system's functioning, protecting the body against common illnesses. 5. Cardiovascular health: Regular consumption of Waltham Broccoli has been linked to a decreased risk of heart disease, primarily due to its fiber content and antioxidant properties. Now armed with this in-depth guide, you are ready to successfully cultivate and enjoy the delicious and nutritious Waltham Broccoli. As a seller, I understand that there may be some confusion when it comes to the terms and conditions of shipping and delivery. In order to provide clarity, I would like to address a few important points: 1. 3 business day shipping: We strive to ship out your order within three business days from the date of purchase. This means that weekends (Saturday and Sunday) are not considered business days, so please keep this in mind when estimating your delivery time. 2. No tracking on orders under $16: Due to the rising costs of delivery, we regretfully cannot provide tracking information for orders under $16. This allows us to keep our prices competitive while still offering reliable shipping services. 3. Estimated delivery dates: While we make every effort to provide accurate estimated delivery dates, they should be viewed as approximations. Various factors, such as unforeseen delays in transit, may impact the actual delivery date. We kindly ask for your understanding should any discrepancies arise. 4. Seller's lack of control over third-party delivery: Once the order is placed with USPS or any third-party delivery service, we, as the seller, have no control over the speed of delivery. We rely on their efficiency and processes to ensure your package arrives in a timely manner. 5. Longer delivery times: In some cases, orders may take up to 15 business days to be delivered. While this is not typical, it is important to note that different factors, such as customs processes, distance, or volume of orders, can contribute to longer delivery times. 6. Contact seller before opening a case or leaving negative feedback: We kindly request that if you encounter any issues with your order, please reach out to us directly before opening a case or leaving negative feedback. We are here to help and will do everything we can to resolve any problems you may have. 7. Give seller a chance to resolve problems: It is our sincere desire to ensure your satisfaction with every purchase. By giving us a chance to address any issues, we are confident that we can find a positive resolution that meets your needs. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in these matters. Our primary goal is to provide you with excellent customer service and an enjoyable shopping experience. Should you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.
Price: 1.96 USD
Location: Berwyn, Illinois
End Time: 2024-09-10T20:49:22.000Z
Shipping Cost: 0 USD
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Item Specifics
All returns accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted
Climate: all
Common Name: Broccoli
Indoor/Outdoor: Outdoor
MPN: n/a
Vegetable Type: Kale
Brand: Fresh
Season of Interest: Spring
Life Cycle: Annual
Type: Vegetable Seeds
Watering: Medium
Genus: Brassica
Sunlight: Full Sun
Features: Edible
Cultivating Difficulty: Easy
Country/Region of Manufacture: United States