Broccoli with side shoots

Hi all. I was advised to find a variety of broccoli that produces side shoots for a long period as opposed a variety that produces one head and is finished. Broccoli is a crop that can survive late season frosts and keep producing. We had plants that were yielding side shoots until January 1, 2007. Then, a really cold period killed them. I don't recall which variety that was.

I would like to grow from seeds instead of starts just to ensure that I get the variety that I want. There are two that I found in the seed catalogs that I am interested in. I would be interested in other selections, too. Has anybody grown these varieties or have any other favorites?

Di Cicco--an open-pollinated "stable" strain that is noted for a small head and good side shoot production. The Johnny's Seed catalog made note of the significant side shoot production, and that is the only variety I have seen that feature noted so boldly.

Packman--a hybrid. These seeds are in a huge number of catalogs. Also produces side shoots. I have an opinion that hybrids usually yield more "overall".

and one other that he couldn't recall offhand this morning, I will get back to you on that one

http://www.seedsofchange.com/garden_center/product_details.asp?item_no=PS15375

Nutri-Bud Broccoli
Brassica oleracea Seeds of Change Original 8 in. head Hardy Annual
Developed by our Research Director, Alan Kapuler, Ph.D., this nutritious selection is unusually high in free glutamine which is one of the building blocks of protein, a primary energy source of the brain and a major healing nutrient. It has a large central head with medium-sized side shoots on vigorous and attractive plants, making this a choice new variety. 24 in. plant with 4-6 in. central head. (60-80 days)

Planting Depth: 1/4" Soil Temp. for Germ.: 55-80°F Days to Germ.: 3-8 Plant Spacing: 18" Days to Maturity: 60-80 Full Sun Moderate Water