Packman

Broccoli

58d to harvest

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.

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Jan 12th
Last Frost	Feb 9th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Feb 2nd
Harvest Begins	Apr 1st
Harvest Ends	Dec 9th

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

Recommended Companions

Siberian Garlic Garlic

Fernleaf Dill

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 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.