Calabreses in Cambridge
Brassica oleracea var. italica
Calabrese (broccoli) produces a large central head of tightly-packed green buds, followed by smaller side-shoots after the main head is cut. It’s a cool-season brassica crop. Grow it in full sun with fertile, well-drained soil and keep plants watered during dry spells. Harvest the heads while firm, then leave the stem in the ground to allow side-shoots to develop.
Growing Guide
Step-by-step instructions for growing Calabrese
Planting Calendar
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Growing Calabrese for an autumn harvest in the UK (sown in mid-summer).
1 Sow Seeds Outdoors
In mid-July or August, sow calabrese seeds directly outdoors into well-tilled soil. Press seeds about deep and keep the soil consistently moist.
2 Thin Seedlings
Once seedlings reach 5–10 cm tall, thin them to leave only the strongest. Aim to space plants about apart. Firm the soil around remaining seedlings.
3 Water and Protect
Keep the young plants well-watered through late summer. Use fleece or netting to protect against slugs and other pests if needed. Apply a slug barrier (eggshells or grit) around plants.
4 Harvest Main Head
Cut off the central head when it is firm and the buds are still tightly closed. Leave the stem in the ground so that side-shoots can develop for additional crops.
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