350 Seeds.
Other Names - Calabrese…
This old fashioned variety produces a bluish dark green central head about 12 - 15cm in diameter. Once the central main head is harvested multiple good sized side shoots are then produces over a period of time producing further smaller shoots. The flavour of the florets of Green Sprouting broccoli are delicious especially when lightly steamed.
Suitable For - Vegetable plot, raised beds
Sowing Months - April - May
Harvest - July - October
Add well rotted manure of compost a few months before sowing or planting (ideally the previous autumn). Lime if necessary as brassica's prefer alkaline soils. Remove weeds from the area. Add general purpose organic fertilizer 2 - 3 weeks before sowing or planting.
General Information | Sowing & Planting Information | ||
---|---|---|---|
Habit | Annual | Module Grown & Transplants | |
Type | Heritage variety | Distance between plants | 35 cm |
Position | Full sun | Distance between rows | 40 cm |
Average height | 75 cm | Direct Sowing | |
Average spread | 45 cm | Sowing distance between plants | 3 cm |
Hardiness | Hardy | Distance between rows | 30 cm |
Overwintering | No | Sowing depth | 1 cm |
Soil Ph | 6.5 - 7.5 (prefers alkaline soil) | Germination temperature | 8 to 20℃ |
Days to germination | 7 - 14 days |
Sow 2 - 3 seeds per 4 cm module. As soon as the seedlings emerge reduce the heat and move to an area with good daylight exposure, a windowsill or greenhouse is ideal. Protect early sowings from frost. When the seedlings are large enough to handle thin to one strong seedling per module. Plant out 2 - 3 weeks later. Harden off over 7 - 10 days before planting out. Plant at the distance suggested above.
Set the plants about 3 cm deeper into the ground to what they were growing in the modules. Firm the soil well around each newly planted calabrese, as brassicas dislike loose soil. Water well and cover with fine insect mesh.
When direct sowing it is best to start calabrese in a well prepared seed bed, then in a few weeks the young plants can be transplanted into their final growing position. Sow 1 seed every 3 cm at the depth and row distance suggested above. Cover the seeds with soil and water well. To avoid problems from brassica pests the crop can be covered with fine insect mesh at this stage. When the seedlings are big enough to handle thin to 9 cm between each plant, keeping the stronger plants, discarding the weak.
The young plants will be ready to transplant to their final growing position when they are about 8 - 10 cm tall. Water the plants well the day before transplanting to help reduce stress. Transplant at the distance suggested above.
Set the plants about 3 cm deeper into the ground to what they were growing in the seed bed. Firm the soil well around each newly planted calabrese, brassicas dislike loose soil. Water well and cover with fine insect mesh.
Hoe regularly to keep weeds under control. Water well especially in dry weather. The plants will benefit from a mulch of compost to help keep the soil moist. Keep an eye on pests, prevention is key. It is highly recommended to grow all brassicas under fine plastic insect mesh especially during the summer months as pests can spoil a heathy crop in no time.
From an early sowing the first heads may be ready to cut in early July. Best to harvest before the flower bud shows any signs of opening, flowered calabrese heads loose their flavour. Cut the head with a sharp knife, try to avoid damaging the leaves. The forming of secondary heads will depend on the weather and pest damage.
A wet summer and autumn will allow the plants to produce several smaller heads. However if the weather is dry the plant will need to be watered regularly to ensure more heads form. Harvesting can last for about 2 months depending on how much water the plants receive and when the first frosts arrive.
The leaves of the Comfrey plant can be used to make a nutrient rich liquid fertilizer, used as a compost accelerator, a slug repellent and a nutritional mulch.
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