Broccoli Calabrese ( Brassica olearacea ) is an old heirloom variety who’s humble beginnings are traced back to Calabria, Italy. Although this variety has been grown for centuries it was not introduced into the seed market until the late 1800’s. Since that time, the Calabrese variety has become one, if not the most popular variety for home gardeners. There are several reasons for this, first of all the plant is very hardy, slow bolting, great tasting and even after the main head is harvested; several side shoots will continue to grow.
This variety can be sown in cold to sub-tropical climates.
Check out our page on Broccoli Romanesco or Broccoli Di Ciccio here.
Growth
Broccoli Calabrese can grow up to approximately 80 cm’s (2.6 feet) in height and 50cm (1.6 feet) in width. Brassica plants prefer a rich organic, compost soil with good drainage in a position of full sun. If you are starting them indoors prior to last frost, introduce the seedlings gradually to full sun conditions to prevent leaf scald, wilting and seedling death. This particular variety is quite hardy and will cope with some light frost.
The Broccoli Calabrese heads are a dark green-blue colour and quite large if the plant is healthy. The average size of the heads are 10-20cm (4-8 inch) in width. This variety is ready for harvest in 60-90 days.
Broccoli seedlings are a favourite for a range of pests like snails and slugs in the garden, so planned protection and companion planting is helpful to avoid any losses.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Brassicaceae
CLIMATE:
Cold to Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
7 to 27°C / 45 to 80°F can withstand light frosts and hot temperatures for short periods.
SOIL TYPE:
Soil should be rich in nutrients, loose and well-draining.
LOCATION:
Full sun will tolerate some shade.
HEIGHT:
Up to 80 cm’s (2.6 feet) above ground
WIDTH:
Up to 50 cm’s (1.6 feet)
pH:
6.0-7.0
GROWTH TYPE:
Biennial
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Medium
POLLINATION:
Pollinated by Wind. Bees required to produce seed.
MATURITY:
Average 60-90 days
GERMINATION RATES:
94%
GERMINATION TIME:
7-14 days at temperatures between 10-23°C / 50-75°F
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Easy
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 250
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
No
WEED POTENTIAL:
No
EDIBLE:
Yes
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 3 years.
FACTS ABOUT BRASSICA OLERACEA (Broccoli)
The word broccoli comes from the Italian plural term broccolo which means the flowering crest of cabbage.
China and India account for around 73% of the world’s annual production of Broccoli.
Broccoli is a high source of many vitamins and minerals and has numerous health benefits.
Thomas Jefferson, one of the founding fathers of the United States, was a fan of broccoli, importing the seeds from Italy to plant the vegetable there as early as 1767.
