Calabreses in Edinburgh
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
Growing Guide for
Change the guide to see different planting timelines and tips.
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.
Related Plants
Explore similar plants you might like
Basil
Basil is a fragrant, tender herb whose leaves are a staple of summer cooking. Native to tropical regions, basil is treated as an annual in temperate climates like the UK because it cannot tolerate frost. It thrives in warm, sunny conditions and can be grown in garden beds or pots for a steady supply of fresh, flavourful leaves throughout the summer.
Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are a hardy winter brassica (cabbage family) that form sturdy, leafy stems often around 60–90cm tall. They produce edible mini-cabbage buds along the stem from autumn through winter. Thanks to their cold tolerance, sprouts remain productive into late winter, and frost actually improves their sweetness.
Chilli Pepper
Chilli peppers are half-hardy annuals that produce an abundance of spicy, colourful fruits in warm conditions. They originate from tropical regions of the Americas and need a long growing season and plenty of heat to ripen their pods in the UK. Plants stay relatively compact (often 30–60cm tall) and grow well in containers or sheltered beds. There are countless varieties ranging from mild to extremely hot (measured in Scoville Heat Units), but all need sunshine and warmth to thrive.