Growing and harvesting Broccolini® has proved moderately challenging. First of all, as a new hybrid, there was limited knowledge on Broccolini® growth requirements. Unlike broccoli, the side shoots rather than the main stalk are harvested. The main stalk is removed as the plant begins to mature to enhance side shoot development. While broccoli is harvested three times during a season, Broccolini® may be harvested 3–5 times depending on growing conditions. Both removing the main stalk and harvesting the side shoots is much more labor intensive than broccoli production. The hybrid is also intolerant of temperature extremes and more sensitive to cold temperatures than broccoli. Mann Packing and SanBon Inc. grow their Broccolini® and Asparation® crops throughout California in the summer and Arizona in the winter, allowing them to supply the market year-round.
Sakata Seed Corporation maintains exclusivity with Mann Packing, SanBon, and the Australian-based Perfection Fresh. Sakata continues a very active breeding program on the ‘Aspabroc’ hybrid. They sell seed to these three companies and other fresh market companies in different countries throughout the world but do not provide seed to independent growers.