Organic Calabrese Broccoli Seeds - Brassica oleracea
Organic Non-GMO Open Pollinated Calabrese Broccoli Seeds
Italian immigrants brought this treasured variety to the United States in the 1880s, where it quickly became a beloved garden staple. This delicious bluish-green broccoli produces tight, well-formed heads measuring 5"– 8" in diameter, offering excellent flavor, tenderness, and dependable garden performance.
Plants grow vigorously in cool-season conditions and reward gardeners with a generous harvest. Once the main head is cut, the plant continues producing numerous tender side shoots, extending the harvest for many weeks and often continuing until frost. These smaller shoots are especially sweet and tender, making this variety both productive and long-lasting in the garden.
Broccoli thrives in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil, benefiting from consistent moisture during its growth. Harvest the central head while it is tight and compact, before any yellow flowers begin to appear. Cut the head with a sharp knife several inches below the crown to encourage the plant to produce the abundant side shoots that follow.
This classic broccoli is wonderful steamed, sautéed, or enjoyed fresh, and it also preserves its flavor and texture beautifully for freezing and canning, making it a versatile and rewarding crop for the home garden. This is one of our personal favorite broccoli's!
Seed Profile
- Organic
- Heirloom
- Open Pollinated
- Non-GMO
- Annual
- Exposure : Full- Partial Sun
- Indoors: 4 - 6 weeks before last frost
- Direct Sow: After last frost
- Seed Count: 100
- Days to Maturity: 50-80
- Plant Size: 24"-30"
Gardener's Tips
Keep soil moist while seeds are germinating. Recommended to sow indoors in short seasons. Amend with compost and apply mulch at base. If starting indoors, harden off before planting. An excellent sprouting variety.
If starting seeds indoors, it is key that your new starts be hardened off. This is a process that requires taking them outside during the day, for a period of time, before they are planted. This acclimates your seedlings to the outside world, meaning the elements like the wind and sun. We do it for several weeks to a month as this strengthens their stems and overall plant structure.
- Start for a short period of time initially, then graduate to more time each day
- One week minimum is recommended
- Bring them inside in the early evening and overnight
- Keep an eye on them and constantly water them. Make sure they have not blown over.
Mulch at base of plants.
Read our blog post on The Power of Mulching
Harvesting Tips
Harvest the central head while it is tight and compact, before any yellow flowers begin to appear.
Cut the head with a sharp knife several inches below the crown to encourage the plant to produce the abundant side shoots that follow.
