Brassica oleracea var italica
This is a difficult to find large headed Italian variety with a firm curd and rich green colouring. The heads reach 10-15cm in about 75 days.
The leaves are open and allow easy access to sunlight at a time when it is needed for head development.
After the main harvest the side shoots will begin developing.
Waltham does well in most conditions
It is an early variety which can mature in adverse climatic conditions.
Broccoli is closely related to cabbage, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts and, like these other members of the Brassica genus, requires a fertile soil with good moisture-holding capacity.
Broccoli does not generally do well in hot weather, the best success being with Autumn and Winter.
Full sun position is advantageous.