• Green Sprouting Calabrese Broccoli Seeds pack ideal for Canada planting Pack de graines de brocoli calabrais Green Sprouting idéal pour la plantation au Canada
  • close-up view of fresh Calabrese Green Sprouting Broccoli vue rapprochée du brocoli vert frais de Calabrese
  • packaging dimensions of Calabrese Green Sprouting Broccoli Dimensions de l'emballage du brocoli vert calabrais
  • family enjoying looking to harvested Calabrese Green Sprouting Broccoli Famille appréciant la recherche de brocolis verts Calabrese récoltés
  • Calabrese Green Sprouting Broccoli placed on a plate Brocoli vert calabrais placé sur une assiette
  • happy family looking to their harvested fresh broccoli in the garden
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JNB Seed

Calabrese Green Sprouting Broccoli Seeds

Calabrese Green Sprouting Broccoli Seeds

$3.99 CAD
$3.99 CAD
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This popular open-pollinated Broccoli variety is favored by home vegetable gardeners for its rich flavor! Green Sprouting Calabrese Broccoli seeds grow rapidly, yielding heads that measure 10 centimeters in diameter with abundant side shoots. These side shoots can be harvested once the main head has been cut, providing an extended harvest period for home vegetable gardens.

Heirloom Calabrese broccoli originated from the province of Calabria in Italy and was introduced to America in the 1880s. The ancestor of modern broccoli was originally found growing wild in the Mediterranean region and Asia Minor. It gradually spread throughout Europe and eventually to the New World, where Thomas Jefferson included it in his experimental garden. Italians valued it highly, giving it the name "Italian asparagus." After World War I, Italian brothers Stefano and Andrea D'Arrigo introduced their Sicilian broccoli variety to San Jose, California, and later shipped it to Boston's North End, where it gained popularity in the market.

Green Sprouting Calabrese is an Italian heirloom broccoli known for its delicious flavor and large, blue-green heads measuring 13-20 centimeters across. Even after the central head is harvested, the 76-91 centimeter plant continues to produce multiple side shoots, ensuring an extended harvesting period.

This heirloom variety is highly sought after for its tasty fresh or frozen heads of broccoli, making it a staple in gardens for continuous harvesting throughout the growing season. The large heads of Green Sprouting Calabrese broccoli provide ample yield, and the plant's ability to produce multiple side shoots guarantees a bountiful and prolonged harvest.



    How To Grow

    Sowing: Heirloom Calabrese Green Sprouting broccoli seeds thrive in cool conditions, so starting them indoors 5-6 weeks before the last expected frost accelerates growth. When seedlings reach around 15 centimeters in height and just before the last frost, transplant them 30-60 centimeters apart in rows spaced 60-90 centimeters apart. Alternatively, for direct sowing, plant the seeds 2.5 centimeters deep and 7.5 centimeters apart in well-draining, rich soil under full sun, about 2-3 weeks before the last expected spring frost. Germination can occur at temperatures as low as 4 degrees Celsius. For fall planting, sow the seeds directly in late July or August. For companion planting benefits, consider planting broccoli alongside herbs, potatoes, or onions while avoiding tomatoes or pole beans.

    Growing: Maintain adequate moisture for young plants and weed regularly. Mulching helps to suppress weeds and regulate soil temperature, while fertilizer or compost applications may be necessary. Protect plants with coverings during nights with forecasted below-freezing temperatures. If plants become top-heavy during growth, provide support with stakes.

    Harvesting

    Harvest the main head when it is still compact, before the small buds start to open, leaving at least 15 centimeters of the stem. Side shoots will continue to develop along the stem and can be harvested as they mature, allowing the plant to keep producing under favorable weather conditions.

    Seed Saving

    Allowing broccoli to produce seeds requires an entire growing season and may involve overwintering or thorough mulching. Broccoli can cross-pollinate with other cabbage family members like cauliflower, so isolation of at least 40000 cm is recommended to prevent hybridization. Once flowers have bloomed and formed seed pods, allow them to dry before carefully removing and separating the seeds. Store the seeds in a cool, dry place for up to five years.

    Extra Facts

    Planting Methods: Direct Sowing Outdoor, Seed Trays for Transplanting, Successive Planting, Container Gardening, Companion Planting, Raised Beds
    Blooming Season: Winter
    Planting Season: Spring
    Latin Name/USDA Zones: Brassica oleracea var. italica./ 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
    Sunlight Required/Height: Full Sun/ 60-90 cm
    Shelf Life After Test Date: Green Sprouting Calabrese Broccoli seeds maintain viability for years beyond the test date when stored in cool, dark, and dry conditions. Periodically check germination rates to ensure successful cultivation. Proper storage practices, including airtight containers, contribute to seed longevity.
    Seed Type: Open Pollinated
    Soil Type: Loam Soil

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