Marathon

Family: Brassicaceae Vegetable

Planting Schedule

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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

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Marathon Planting Dates by USDA Zone

Estimated US hardiness-zone windows for sow, transplant, and harvest. Enter a US ZIP above for exact local dates, or open a zone below.

Zone	Start Indoors	Sow / Transplant	Harvest
Zone 1a	Protected Environment Only
Zone 1b	Protected Environment Only
Zone 2a	Apr 27th	May 25th	Aug 8th – Aug 29th
Zone 2b	Apr 17th	May 15th	Jul 29th – Aug 25th
Zone 3a	Apr 17th	May 15th	Jul 29th – Sep 1st
Zone 3b	Apr 21st	May 19th	Aug 2nd – Sep 21st
Zone 4a	Apr 17th	May 15th	Jul 29th – Sep 24th
Zone 4b	Apr 15th	May 13th	Jul 27th – Sep 27th
Zone 5a	Apr 10th	May 8th	Jul 22nd – Sep 30th
Zone 5b	Apr 6th	May 4th	Jul 18th – Oct 5th
Zone 6a	Apr 3rd	May 1st	Jul 15th – Oct 10th
Zone 6b	Mar 28th	Apr 25th	Jul 9th – Oct 16th
Zone 7a	Mar 23rd	Apr 20th	Jul 4th – Oct 20th
Zone 7b	Mar 13th	Apr 10th	Jun 24th – Oct 28th
Zone 8a	Mar 4th	Apr 1st	Jun 15th – Nov 5th
Zone 8b	Feb 23rd	Mar 23rd	Jun 6th – Nov 12th
Zone 9a	Feb 6th	Mar 6th	May 20th – Nov 26th
Zone 9b	Jan 12th	Feb 9th	Apr 25th – Dec 9th
Zone 10a	—	Oct 1st	Dec 15th – Feb 28th
Zone 10b	—	Oct 1st	Dec 15th – Feb 28th
Zone 11a	—	Oct 1st	Dec 15th – Feb 28th
Zone 11b	—	Oct 1st	Dec 15th – Feb 28th
Zone 12a	—	Oct 1st	Dec 15th – Feb 28th
Zone 12b	—	Oct 1st	Dec 15th – Feb 28th
Zone 13a	—	Oct 1st	Dec 15th – Feb 28th
Zone 13b	—	Oct 1st	Dec 15th – Feb 28th

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.