Packman

Family: Brassicaceae Vegetable

Succulent, blue-green florets crown the center like a jeweled bouquet, with a tight, velvety texture that holds its sweetness from first harvest through the season’s follow-up picks.

Packman broccoli forms a compact, bushy head—dense enough to roast to caramelized edges, yet tender enough for crisp fresh bites and bright, quick sauces. A dependable 58-day performer for home gardens, it delivers a satisfying, garden-to-plate rhythm of flavor and texture.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 58 DaysHabit: Clumping

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 18th
Harvest Begins	Jun 15th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	58
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Clumping
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	45
Min Soil Temp (°F)	45
Min Night Temp (°F)	30
Harden Off (days)	6

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Packman’s compact, dense florets give you that coveted tight bite—sweet before cooking, and then silky-soft without collapsing. It roasts like a little crown of caramelizable candy, and it also purées cleanly for thick, broccoli-forward sauces.

Best Uses

roast or broil until the ridges bronze and get lightly nutty
quick-steam and finish with a sharp lemon-butter gloss
blitz into a smooth, thick purée for pasta sauce or soup base
toss into cold salads where the florets stay snappy under dressing

Flavor Profile

sweet, green-broccoli savoriness tender-velvety florets crisp snap when raw; caramelizing edges when hot

Kitchen Pairings

lemon parmesan olive oil anchovy butter red pepper flakes

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the most common pest or disease on Brassica oleracea var. italica (Calabrese/“Packman”) and how do I treat it?

Watch for cabbage worms and loopers (green caterpillars) that chew holes in the curds; inspect under leaves and on the curd surface. Hand-pick early, spray Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) at label rates, and repeat after 5–7 days if you still see active feeding. For downy mildew or black spot, remove infected leaves and avoid wetting foliage during irrigation, focusing water at the soil line.

How often should I water Brassica oleracea var. italica during the main growing phase?

During head/curd development, keep the root zone evenly moist—water when the top 1 inch of soil starts to dry, usually about 1–2 times per week depending on weather. Aim for consistent moisture rather than soaking then letting it dry out, because uneven watering can lead to loose, stressed curds. Use deeper watering (so the soil is moist below the surface) to encourage sturdy, even growth.

How can I tell when my Packman (Brassica oleracea var. italica) is ready to harvest?

Harvest when the curds are tight and fully formed, with the head showing a dense, broccoli-like dome and no yellow flowers. The florets should be firm to the touch; if you see the curd starting to loosen or separate, you’re close to over-maturity. Cut the main head with a few inches of stem, ideally early in the day before it warms and loosens.