500 Seeds

Grow a garden filled with Calabrese Broccoli, from freshly harvested Brassica oleracea seeds. Calabrese is a heirloom strain that was first introduced in the early 1900's. The heads range in size, from 4 to 5 inches in diameter, displaying blue-green florets. The plants themselves will reach a mature height of about 30 to 36 inches tall, and can spread a good 3 feet wide. Once the central head is cut, this variety will produce several side shoots.

Calabrese Broccoli is categorized as an annual crop. Annuals such as this will grow quickly from freshly harvested seeds, producing flowers, fruits and seeds all within a single season. Calabrese is just one variety of Broccoli that we have to offer. check out our Broccoli seed category for additional varieties. You may also be interested in our Purple Cauliflower as well.

Sowing The Seed

Calabrese Broccoli is a cool weathered crop that can be started indoors, or directly outdoors as well. If started indoors, sow the seeds 6 to 10 weeks prior to the last frost. Sow at a depth of 1/4" under topsoil, lightly covering the seeds with a thin layer of soil. Transplant entire peat pots, or direct sow outdoors when the weather is mildly warm, in early Spring, or late Summer when the Autumn season arrives.

Growing Conditions

As Explained prior, these plants require cooler temperatures and are best established in early Spring, or in the Autumn season. They require an area of full sunlight for at least 6 hours and temperatures of around 65F to 70F. The soil should be fertile and rich in organic matter, but it should also be well drained. To increase drainage, we recommend adding a light compost to areas containing hard, compact soil. Water the soil daily until germination has successfully occurred, watering regularly thereafter.

Germination & Growth

Broccoli seeds typically take anywhere between 7 to 14 days to germinate, if the proper conditions are met. The plants will reach a mature height of 30 to 36 inches tall and will spread 12 inches wide. Each plant can be spaced 18 to 24 inches apart from one another, in rows that are spaced about 30 to 36 inches apart. The plants will produce high yields of tasty broccoli heads, filled with blue-green florets.

Harvesting Calabrese Broccoli

Calabrese Broccoli is ready for harvesting, anywhere between 60 to 90 days. The heads can be picked when they are firm. Eat fresh, or cook with seasoning, such as pepper and salt. The heads can be stored in the fridge, in a tightly sealed bag.