6 Of The Latest Cauliflower And Broccoli Varieties

Excellent for crown cut and short trim, Millennium is a new high-yielding, highly adaptable variety that will not purple. Domed heads have very small beads, exceptionally uniform head maturity, good heat tolerance and fewer side shoots. Anthocyanin-free, this variety has shown strong postharvest color retention. Available from Clifton Seed Co., Sakata Seed America, and Stokes Seeds.

This broccoli matures in 109 days and has high floret yield potential. It has good field-holding capabilities, high crown quality for multipurpose use, and a fine- to medium-bead size. This variety is best suited for production in the spring and fall in California's Salinas Valley. Available from Seminis.  

This fresh market cauliflower is heat tolerant and matures in 75 days. Suited for production in the Northeast and Midwest, Aquarius has strong tolerance to summer curd hairiness and has good head weight. Available from HM Clause and Harris Seeds.

Flamestar is for both the fresh and processing markets. Maturing in 80 days, it is for production in the Southwest, Coastal California, and the Eastern U.S. It is a beautiful semi-orange cauliflower that is ideal for the specialty color market. It has a medium-size plant that produces good weight and high yields of smooth, dense, quality heads. Available from Syngenta.

Puntoverde matures in 75 to 78 days and features a high dome. It is bred to handle heat and is for spring, summer, and fall harvest; This Romanesco hybrid boasts a very healthy plant, is dark-green in color, and features a medium-pointed curd. Available from Rijk Zwaan and Siegers Seed Co.

This fresh market variiety matures in 75 to 80 days, has a high yield potential and is best suited for production in the Midwest and Northeast. Synergy is said to be excellent for self wrapping, features white curds, and is bred for summer production. Available from Enza Zaden and Rupp Seeds.