Empire produces beautiful, high-domed, smooth heads with great weight and deep emerald color. The large, tightly packed heads are best used as whole crowns. The compact plants are sturdy and leafy. Empire shows very strong blind plant tolerance and works best in the spring, fall and mild over-winter seasons. Days to maturity from transplant: 90-95.
| Bead Size | Small |
|---|---|
| Exterior Color | Blue Green |
| Head Size | Medium Large |
| Plant Habit | Medium |
| HG Market Segment | Mail Order, Farm Market |
| Leaf Color | Blue Green |
| Relative Maturity | Mid-late |
The days to maturity are calculated as an average of fall harvest dates for direct seeded broccoli in Salinas, CA. Some sowing dates may result in earlier or later maturity. Overwinter production can add over 20 days to the numbers listed.
| Days to Maturity from Direct Seed | 102 |
|---|---|
| Days to Maturity from Transplant | 92 |
Broccoli has been found to have more cancer-fighting compounds than other members of the cabbage family. It is rich in glucosinolates which, once ingested, break down into these healthful cancer fighters: indoles, sulforaphane, and isothiocyanates. Broccoli also provides high amounts of Vitamin C, folate, and beta carotene and significant amounts of protein, calcium, iron, potassium, and fiber.
