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Brassica oleracea var. italica

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From seed to harvest

Heirloom
Common nameBroccoli
FamilyBrassicaceae
GenusBrassica
Speciesoleracea var. italica
CultivarCalabrese Precoce
Typebroccoli
Botanical nameBrassica oleracea var. italica
Heirloom varietytrue
Quantity per packet150 to 200 seeds

Calabrese Precoce Broccoli Seeds (Brassica oleracea var. italica) Calabrese Precoce forms a central green broccoli head with tightly packed flower buds. Separate the harvested head into florets for cooked dishes.

Start indoors 4 to 6 weeks before transplanting or direct sow according to season. Sow about 6 to 13 mm deep. Keep the seedbed evenly moist through emergence. Allow 30 to 45 cm between plants; 45 to 90 cm between rows. Provide full sun and avoid standing water. A germination temperature of about 24°C, followed by cooler growing conditions is appropriate for this crop. Thin crowded seedlings early and harden indoor-started plants gradually before transplanting.

Cut while the flower buds remain tight, before they open. Harvest the central head while its buds remain tightly closed.

Light and life cycle

In the garden

Exposure
Full sun
Life cycle
Biennial grown as an annual
Sowing and germination

Sowing guide

Sowing & germination

Sowing depth

6 to 13 mm

Spacing / density

30 to 45 cm between plants; 45 to 90 cm between rows

Germination temperature

Approximately 24 °C for germination; grow on in cooler conditions.

Sowing period

Start indoors 4 to 6 weeks before transplanting or direct sow according to season

Propagation

Seed

Growing method

Prepare a clean seedbed or containers with fertile, well-drained soil. Start indoors 4 to 6 weeks before transplanting or direct sow according to season. Sow about 6 to 13 mm deep unless the packet gives a more specific direction. Use the following spacing as the crop develops: 30 to 45 cm between plants; 45 to 90 cm between rows. Keep the medium evenly moist during emergence without leaving it saturated. Provide full sun and good air movement. Thin crowded seedlings early so the remaining plants develop without unnecessary competition. Harden indoor-started plants gradually before transplanting them outdoors after the appropriate frost date. Maintain consistent irrigation throughout growth.
Soil and care

Soil and care

Soil & care

Soil pH

6.5 to 7.5

Watering

Monitor moisture as the leaves and edible parts develop.

Soil type

Prepare fertile soil that retains moisture while allowing excess water to drain.

Fertilization

Prepare the soil with mature compost when fertility is low. A light, balanced fertilizer may be used according to its label, but excessive feeding can cause weak or unbalanced growth. Observe leaf colour and plant development before adding more nutrients. Water after any application.

Seasonal care

At sowing time, prepare fertile, well-drained soil and follow this timing: Start indoors 4 to 6 weeks before transplanting or direct sow according to season. Keep the surface moist until emergence, label the row, and thin seedlings according to the recommended spacing. During active growth, provide full sun and monitor soil moisture, weeds, and leaf condition. Maintain consistent irrigation throughout growth. In warm or windy weather, check containers and exposed beds more frequently. Remove damaged material and keep enough space for air circulation. At harvest or after flowering, use clean tools and clear unhealthy debris. Healthy residue may be composted where appropriate. At the end of the season, clean containers and tools, record useful observations, and store remaining seed in a cool, dry, dark place.
Growing in containers

Container growing

Container growing

Container growing requires enough potting mix for a mature plant.
Growth and harvest

Size, flowering & harvest

Mature height

46 to 56 cm (18–22 in)

Width / spread

30 to 36 cm (12–14 in)

Edible parts

Leaves, stems, or flower heads depending on the variety

Days to maturity

60 to 65 days

Harvest

Harvest the central head while its buds remain tightly closed.
Garden companions

Garden associations

Companion plants & uses

Companion plants

Cool-season lettuce can grow near cabbage when the plants are spaced to avoid crowding.

Other recommended plants

KS Attraction Lettuce; Michihli Chinese Cabbage; Bionda Ortolani Romaine Lettuce

Garden use

Separate the harvested head into florets for cooked dishes. Cut while the flower buds remain tight, before they open.

Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions

How should ‘Calabrese Precoce’ broccoli be sown?
Start indoors 4 to 6 weeks before transplanting or direct sow according to season. Prepare fertile, well-drained soil. Sow about 6 to 13 mm deep. Keep the seedbed evenly moist until emergence without saturating it. Label the row and provide full sun. Thin crowded seedlings so the final spacing follows this guidance: 30 to 45 cm between plants; 45 to 90 cm between rows. If plants are started indoors, provide strong light and harden them gradually before transplanting outdoors at the appropriate time.
Where should I grow Calabrese Precoce Broccoli?
Light: Full sun. Prepare fertile soil that retains moisture while allowing excess water to drain. Light: Full sun. ‘Calabrese Precoce’ broccoli prefers full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Choose a location that leaves enough room for 30 to 45 cm between plants; 45 to 90 cm between rows. Avoid low spots where water remains after rain. In a container, use drainage holes and a clean growing mix. Observe how light moves across the space during the day, especially near buildings or taller plants.
How should I water Calabrese Precoce Broccoli?
Monitor moisture as the leaves and edible parts develop. Maintain consistent irrigation throughout growth. During germination, use a gentle spray or careful watering so seed is not displaced. After establishment, water at soil level when the surface begins to dry. Adjust frequency to rainfall, heat, wind, soil texture, and container size. Avoid standing water because roots still require oxygen. Morning watering can help foliage dry normally during the day.
What maintenance does ‘Calabrese Precoce’ broccoli need?
Keep the planting labelled, weeded, and appropriately spaced. Check young plants regularly for wilting, chewing damage, discolouration, or crowding. Provide full sun and maintain the moisture pattern described for the crop. Use clean tools, avoid deep cultivation near established roots, and remove unhealthy debris. Apply any fertilizer or pest-control product only according to its label.
When should I harvest Calabrese Precoce Broccoli?
Harvest the central head while its buds remain tightly closed. Cut while the flower buds remain tight, before they open.

Seed-starting essentials

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