Marathon

Family: Brassicaceae Vegetable

Marathon brings a steady, garden-to-table rhythm with dense, uniform heads that open to reveal a rich, deep-green crown.

The florets are notably fine-textured and tender, holding their shape beautifully for roasting, steaming, and quick stir-fry, while also shining in fresh salads and bright sauces. At 75 days, it’s a reliable choice for home growers who want dependable harvests and a polished, market-ready look in every cutting.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 75 DaysHabit: Upright

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Mar 28th
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 25th
Harvest Begins	Jul 9th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	75
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Upright
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	45
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	35
Harden Off (days)	6

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Marathon’s fine-tender florets are built for heat without collapsing—roast or steam it and it keeps a satisfying snap. When you want broccoli that tastes more sweet-green than harsh, it’s the variety that stays photogenic on the plate and lively on the palate.

Best Uses

hot-roast at high heat until edges bronze but florets stay intact
steam then finish with lemon butter for a clean, green bite
quick stir-fry where the florets hold shape without turning mushy
raw or lightly dressed salad—thin shave or small florets under a sharp vinaigrette

Flavor Profile

sweet vegetal core fine, tender florets classic broccoli bitterness kept in check cabbage-like snap

Kitchen Pairings

lemon olive oil parmesan anchovy chile flakes sesame oil

Frequently Asked Questions

Marathon (Brassica oleracea var. italica) — what should I watch for to prevent common pests like cabbage worms, and how do I stop them quickly?

Cabbage worms (cabbage loopers/diamondback larvae) chew irregular holes in broccoli-like florets and leaves. Check plants at least 2–3 times per week and remove any larvae you find by hand; then cover with insect netting or use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) as directed on the label when small larvae are present (best applied in the cool of early morning). Keep the bed weed-free and don’t let volunteer brassicas stay nearby, since they can harbor larvae.

How often should I water Marathon during the main growing phase, and what soil moisture level does it need?

During the 45–75 day growth stretch, keep soil consistently evenly moist but not waterlogged—aim for the top 1 inch to stay lightly damp. Water deeply about 2–3 times per week depending on heat and wind, increasing frequency if the soil dries out quickly or leaves start to wilt. Mulch helps prevent moisture swings that can cause loose, disappointing heads in Brassicaceae.

How do I tell when Marathon (Brassica oleracea var. italica) is ready to harvest?

Harvest when the main curd is firm, tightly domed, and the individual flower buds are still closed—don’t wait until it looks slightly open or begins yellowing. If heads start to loosen or show widening florets, harvest immediately to avoid early flowering. Cut the main head with a few inches of stem; Marathon often provides smaller side shoots after the main cut, so you can harvest subsequent tight side curds as they reach firmness.