Different types of broccoli have been grouped into heading and stem categories. Each category has unique characteristics but both belong to the Brassica family.
Heading broccoli varieties have large heads consisting of florets attached to the stalks and their stem counterparts have thick stalks with small florets.
My favorite broccoli varieties are purple and white sprouting species. We wrote this guide to share other broccoli varieties with their descriptions and pictures for you.
Different Types of Broccoli with Pictures
All broccoli varieties have high levels of nutrients to foster healthy living. But some have more vitamins and nutritional benefits than others. Here is my favorite list of broccoli:
White Sprouting Broccoli
It is a winter vegetable that belongs to the cabbage family. White sprouting broccoli plants have whitish or yellow-green stems and small compact florets.
The leafy greens are edible due to their rich vitamins, fibers, and low calories. The broccoli species can be eaten raw or when cooked.
I recommend cooking white sprouting broccoli to preserve the nutrients. The broccoli type is native to the Mediterranean region and is now available in North America.
It is also a slow-growing species that takes 220 days to harvest after planting. White sprouting broccoli varieties are excellent for cooler temperature regions.
Santee Broccoli
Santee broccoli is a type of purple sprouting species native to South Carolina. It has green stalks with small compact florets.
The slightly sweet flavors with hints of bitterness and the ability to turn dark green when cooked are the distinctive features. The tender stems can be eaten raw or cooked.
The broccoli type is a high-yield species that does best when harvested in early spring or late summer. It is tolerant to frost and light snowfall.
Red Fire Broccoli
It is a broccoli type with deep purple florets that form compact head clusters. The species is hardy and thrives in cooler winter temperatures.
We recommend harvesting red fire broccoli between late January and early march. The Mid-Atlantic and Pacific Northwest regions of the United States offer the best climate.
The florets and stalks are sweet and tender. The large to medium size heads are the distinctive features. The side shoots after harvesting heads are also edible.
Purple Broccoli
Purple-sprouting broccoli varieties have purple florets consisting of tiny flower buds. The vibrant silver-green leaves are surrounded by large central stalks.
The main heads on the stalks have a similar size to those on smaller thinner stalks. The broccoli has nutty flavors with pepper hints to create mild sweetness when cooked.
Purple broccoli varieties are harvested 80-90 days after planting. They produce colorful heads and tender stems in large quantities.
We recommend planting these broccoli species in autumn or winter. Exposure to hot growing conditions will cause bitterness in flavors.
Romanesco Broccoli
It is the most vibrant broccoli species in appearance and flavor. The yellow-green florets and striking spiral patterns are my favorite features.
The rich nutty taste makes the species an ideal ingredient for pasta, soup, and salads. You can eat Romanesco broccoli while raw or cooked.
The broccoli variety takes 75-100 days to mature. The broccoli produces several heads that can be harvested individually.
Baby Broccoli
The baby broccoli variety is also called broccolini, broccoli, and tender stem broccoli. It is a cross between European and Chinese broccoli.
The species has small florets and delicate stems vulnerable to extreme temperature changes. The crop thrives in cold to mild weather environments.
This popular home garden vegetable is easy to grow and has a sweet taste with peppery overtones. The florets and leaves are edible due to their rich flavors.
Apollo Broccoli
The species is a cross between broccoli and Chinese kale. The veggie takes up to three months to mature and it is ideal for cold climates.
If grown in hotter climates, broccoli will have a bitter taste. The high-yield broccoli requires a lot of space compared to other species.
The broccoli produces vibrant florets, stems, and flower buds. Every part of this plant is edible due to its delicate full flavors.
Ryokuho Broccoli
Ryokuho broccoli is a Chinese species also known as green jade. This fast-growing veggie is harvested within 40-45 days after planting.
The broccoli variety can be grown throughout the year in cool temperatures. It is an excellent choice for backyard gardeners due to its high yields and disease resistance.
The strong flavors make the broccoli best suit stir-fry or soups. The plant does not produce florets but edible stems and dark green leaves.
The tall thick stems are my favorite choice since they are crispy and flavorful. You can use the leaves in preparing salads.
Suiho Broccoli
The Chinese broccoli species is also called noble jade or emerald green. It is a fast-growing broccoli variety that takes 44 days to mature.
My favorite features about Suiho broccoli are fast-growing, high yields, disease resistant, and tolerant to both cold and hot temperatures.
The soft and tender stem along with kale-like leaves are edible. The strong and sweet taste will make your meal delicious when served as a stir-fried or roasted side dish.
Kailaan Broccoli
It is a unique Chinese broccoli due to its crispiness and sweetness that resembles a mustard-like taste. It produces dark green heads and tiny white flowers.
The broccoli variety takes 60 days to reach maturity and it is an excellent choice for backyard gardeners. Every part of the plant is edible including the leaves.
We recommend planting your broccoli seedlings in early spring or late summer for better yields. The broccoli species thrives in cooler temperatures.
Happy Rich Broccoli
It is another Chinese broccoli type also called Gai Lan. It is ideal for backyard gardeners since it can be grown indoors or outdoors.
Happy rich broccoli varieties are available throughout the year. These fast-growing species take 55 days to be harvested.
The sweet and robust tastes are the reasons behind its popularity in the Asian market. All Chinese broccoli varieties have intense flavors that suit different dishes.
Waltham 29 Broccoli
It is a mid-season broccoli species since it takes 65-75 days to mature. If you want high yields, we recommend planting the seeds in late summer and harvesting in fall.
The broccoli species thrives in cold temperatures on the East Coast and Pacific Northwest of the United States.
The broccoli grows up to 20 inches and has long stalks. The vibrant blue-green colors and medium to large heads are the distinctive features.
Marathon Broccoli
The broccoli variety can tolerate cold temperatures without lowering the yields. I recommend planting the veggie in late summer or early fall.
It is a fast-growing species that takes 60 days to mature. It is the easiest broccoli variety to grow and is resistant to common diseases.
The heads are picked after two months and the flavorful greens later. The vibrant blue-green colors and medium to large size are my favorite features.
Fiesta Broccoli
It is a hybrid broccoli that matures after 70-75 days. It belongs to the mid-season veggies for backyard gardens.
Be sure to plant your fiesta broccoli varieties in late summer since they cannot tolerate high temperatures. The plant does not produce side shoots at all.
The uniform blue-green colors, well-shaped heads, and hardy thick stems will mark a bold statement in your home garden.
The excellent texture and tastes make the species suit different dishes. I recommend this broccoli as a roasted side dish when eating steaks.
Express Broccoli
It is among the high-priced mid-season veggies. We recommend planting the broccoli species in spring to get high yields and reach maturity after 75 days.
The broccoli type has numerous side shoots that can be harvested in all seasons. The striking blue-green colors with tight heads create a cluster of florets.
The soft texture and light flavors make the species suit salads or stir-fry. It is a perfect side dish during Thanksgiving celebrations.
Belstar Broccoli
The broccoli type belongs to the early to mid-season species since it matures after 65 days. It can thrive in both cold and hot environments due to its versatile characteristics.
I love planting belstar broccoli varieties in summer or fall. The dense medium-size heads have pleasing mild flavors.
The numerous side shoots are usually harvested throughout the year despite picking the main head from the plant.
Destiny Broccoli
This mid-season broccoli variety takes 75-85 days to reach maturity. We recommend planting the species early to reach harvest within the scheduled period.
The lack of side shoots and tiny size are the features making it easier to distinguish from other mid-season broccoli varieties.
The upright growth and tolerance to both cold and hot environments are my favorite characteristics. The deep green colors with small rounded heads are prominent features.
Smooth texture, earthy taste, nutty flavors, and pleasant crunch are my favorite things about destiny broccoli varieties.
Gypsy Broccoli
It is my favorite early-season broccoli variety that reaches maturity after 60-65 days. It can also tolerate high temperatures in summer.
You can plant your gypsy broccoli species in late summer or spring. Besides that, this crop is resistant to mildew.
The broccoli type has light green florets with smooth heads and short soft shoots. The medium-size florets have pleasant flavors and are crispy.
Eastern Magic Broccoli
The broccoli variety is also called Eastern Mysticism. The broccoli species can survive in both cold and hot temperatures.
The versatile broccoli type is grown in Canada and the Northeastern part of the United States. It belongs to the mid-season variety category and is harvested after 60 days.
The tall stems, bright blue-green colors, and densely packed heads are my favorite things about Eastern Magic broccolis.
Green Magic Broccoli
The green magic broccoli is also called green enchantment. It is popularly known due to its buttery flavors and light crunchy texture.
The unique flavors make them edible while raw or cooked. The small-size growth habit allows them to thrive in pots or containers.
These genetically modified species thrive in higher temperatures that other species cannot endure. They are excellent choices for planting in summer.
The medium-size smooth heads with blue-green colors and numerous side shoots are my favorite choice. I recommend harvesting the main heads after 60 days from planting.
Di Cicco Broccoli
It is a fast-growing broccoli type that reaches maturity after 55 days from planting. It belongs to the early-season broccoli varieties.
Di Cicco broccoli varieties are ideal for backyard gardeners since the heads do not grow at the same rate. It produces small to medium size heads with many side shoots.
The sweet and earthy flavors from the leaves and stems are the reasons behind the high demand. It does best when planted in the fall.
Broccoli Arcadia
It is the hardest broccoli type that thrives in cold temperatures. The veggie is also resistant to head rot and mildew.
The broccoli species belongs to the early season variety since it takes two months to reach maturity. The vibrant purple-green colors can make a bold statement in your garden.
The crunchy texture and earthy flavors make the broccoli popular. You can eat the parts when cooked or raw in salads.
Blue Wind Broccoli
The large heads with tightly clustered beads and florets are the distinctive features. My other favorite characteristics are blue-green colors with light blue kale-like leaves.
The florets have a pleasant taste with sweet mild flavors. This early-season broccoli variety matures faster than other species.
We recommend harvesting the heads within 55-60 days after planting. But the numerous side shoots can be harvested throughout the year.
Amadeus Broccoli
It is the most popular early-season broccoli variety for planting in early spring. The rapid growth allows the veggie to grow throughout the summer and fall months.
The compact florets and smaller beads with vibrant blue-green colors mark a bold statement in the backyard garden.
.The high antioxidant properties are the other reasons behind their popularity. The numerous side shoots contribute to high yields throughout the year.
Calabrese Broccoli
The broccoli type has large, full, and dark green florets that are densely packed on lighter green stalks. The mild tastes and soft textures are my favorite features.
This early season broccoli variety reaches the harvesting time within 60-65 days. I recommend planting the broccoli in autumn when the temperatures are low.
Blue Star Gai Lan Broccoli
This leafy vegetable is also called Chinese broccoli since it is popular in many Chinese cuisines. The veggie is native to China although it is grown all over the world.
Blue star broccoli species has glossy dark green leaves and produces small white flowers. The stems are the edible parts of the plant.
The slightly bitter tastes with sweet and crunchy texture are my favorite features. I recommend stir-frying with ginger and garlic or use in soups and stews.
Bonarda Broccoli
It is a broccoli type native to the Mediterranean region and belongs to the cruciferous vegetables. The large central head and flower-like buds are the prominent features.
The green heads have shades of purple or white and the dark green leaves have wrinkled textures for easy recognition.
Bonarda broccolis are cold-weather crops ideal for temperate regions. We recommend growing them in the spring and fall months.
Burgundy Broccoli
The broccoli species is also called purple sprouting broccoli. The deep purple colors are the conspicuous feature for easy identification.
Burgundy broccolis are increasingly becoming popular in North America and Europe despite hailing from the Mediterranean region.
It is the earliest broccoli variety to be introduced into England and France during the middle age. The veggies are harvested in spring when the nutrition is peak.
Broccoli Robb
This leafy veggie belongs to the brassica family and is commonly used in Italian, Indian, and Chinese cuisines. It has yellow flowers that resemble turnips.
Both stems and leaves from the broccoli species are edible. The broccoli type is native to the Mediterranean region and was later got introduced into China in the 20th C.
The strong flavors with slight bitterness are the reason behind its popularity in Indian curries and other dishes. It is rich in minerals and vitamins to foster a healthy being.
Chinese Broccoli
The broccoli type is also called Gai-Ion and belongs to the cabbage family. The long slender stems and leaves can be cooked or eaten raw.
This Chinese broccoli species is native to China and Taiwan. The broccoli variety is widely grown in California, Hawaii, and Florida.
Diplomatic Broccoli
The broccoli type is native to the Mediterranean region and can tolerate cool weather. It has large green heads with dense clusters of blue-green florets.
The species matures within 60-90 days after planting. The versatile veggie can be eaten raw, steamed, boiled, roasted, or stir-fried, or used in soups and stews.
Lunchbox Broccoli
The species is a cross between Calabrese and the sprouting broccoli. The vegetable is a heat-resistant species and has a longer harvesting season than its parents.
The large blue-green leaves and thick stems with green flowers are the distinctive features for easy identification. The veggie is harvested when flower buds begin to open.
Miniature broccoli is a healthy snack due to its low calories and high nutritional value. It can be eaten raw or cooked due to its nutty and sweet flavors.
Nova Scotia Broccoli
The broccoli species was developed in Canada in a province called Nova Scotia. It is among the most popular broccoli species in entire North America due to rapid growth.
It has a sweet and nutty flavor ideal for making salads. The numerous vitamin sources are my favorite thing about Nova Scotia broccoli varieties.
Nutribud Broccoli
Nutribud broccoli is a cold-weather vegetable with a central head and deep green colors. It is the most flavorful and nutritious broccoli variety in North America.
The delicious florets and many side shoots are excellent for early spring or late fall gardens. They need full sun to thrive though they are not drought-tolerant.
These broccoli varieties have tight and green heads without yellowing or browning. You can eat raw or cooked nutribud broccoli.
Packman Broccoli
It is a broccoli species native to the Mediterranean region and belongs to the cold season crops. This mid-season broccoli type is harvested in the spring or fall.
The packman broccoli has large green heads with purple flowers. The thick white stems and dark green leaves are the distinctive features.
Paradise Broccoli
The broccoli type is native to Italy and commonly grown in the Mediterranean region. It has large flat leaves and thick stalks for easy identification.
The veggie has a lifespan of 2-3 years and can grow up to 2-3ft tall. The broccoli species are susceptible to aphids, caterpillars, and root rot.
The cool-season crop is becoming popular in Europe, North America, and Asia. It is an excellent ingredient for minestrone soup and pasta e fagioli.
Piracicaba Broccoli
It is a broccoli type native to Brazil with a number of unique characteristics. The large-size head weighs about two pounds at maturity.
The dense and compact heads with tightly packed florets are the distinctive features. It is also known for its deep green coloration.
The broccoli species is a cold-weather crop and can thrive in temperate climates. We recommend planting it in the spring and harvest in the fall.
Rio Zeyphr Broccoli
The broccoli species is named after Rio Grande Valley in Texas. The warm weather provides a suitable environment for growing Rio Zeyphr broccolis.
The broccoli variety is not frost resistant and cannot survive in freezing conditions. The fleshy thick stalks bear numerous side branches with small green florets.
Sprouting Broccoli
These broccoli species are also called Calabrese since they belong to the brassica family. The veggies can be green or purple or white depending on the variety.
These annual crops thrive well in temperate climates and produce small edible flowers. I recommend harvesting the flower heads before they fully bloom.
These broccolis can be eaten raw or cooked due to their nutty flavors and crunchy textures. They can also form the best side dish or an ingredient in salads.
Sweet Stem Broccoli
Sweet stem broccolis are also called Calabrese broccolis since they are native to Calabria Italy region. These summer veggies flourish in warm weather and prefer full sun.
It can be eaten raw or cooked due to its nutty flavors and crunchy textures. The long thin stems are topped with small delicate florets.
Umpqua Broccoli
These veggies are commonly grown in the Umpqua Valley in Oregon. It is a type of broccoli with deep green colors and is known for its sweet flavors.
It is relatively a new variety suitable for home gardeners. It is usually harvested in late summer or early fall. The firm and bright green heads are the prominent features.
Rio Zenith Broccoli
Rio Zenith broccoli is the last on the list, and this does not mean it is less popular in North America or other parts of the world.
The broccoli species has large green heads and thick stems that are edible. You can also eat the leaves though they have milder flavors than their heads.
My Final Thoughts
All types of broccoli are packed with vitamins and minerals with low calories. These nutrients have numerous health benefits and help reduce cancer risks.
I recommend reading about the growing condition of each broccoli species before considering planting it in your backyard garden. I hope this comprehensive guide was helpful.
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