BROCCOLI - CALABRESE GREEN SPROUTING

 Organic Broccoli calabrese green Sprouting

        100 Seeds Pack   

Broccoli is of the Brassica oleracea species. It is often called a brassica or cruciferous vegetable from the Brassicaceae or Cruciferae family. It is native to the Mediterranean region and Asia Minor.  

A  favourite in the UK since the early 1900s Sprouting broccoli is an old variety that has many small shoots attached rather than a single head. Sprouting broccoli has long slender green stalks, which has petite green leaves attached. This broccoli type has small florets at the top of the stalks and offers a mild flavour that is sweeter than traditional broccoli. 

PLANTING & GROWING

To prevent spring planted calabrese sprouting broccoli from flowering during summer harvest, start plants indoors six to eight weeks before the final frost. Sow seeds ¼ inch (6 mm.) deep in a good quality starter soil and keep moist during germination. Place sprouted seedlings near a window or under grow lights. 

To prevent sun scorched leaves and transplant shock, each broccoli plant will need hardened off before planting in the garden. To harden vegetable plants, slowly introduce them to full sunlight and windy conditions by exposing them to the outdoors for an increasingly longer period of time each day. Using a portable mini greenhouse can aid in this process.

Once the ground has sufficiently warmed and danger of frost has past, transplant calabrese sprouting broccoli to a sunny location with good drainage. Fall crops of broccoli can be started in midsummer by direct seeding into the garden. Thin or transplant broccoli to space plants 12 to 16 inches (30-40 cm.) apart. Keep soil moist and control competition from weeds by removing unwanted plants or mulching. 

Celery, potatoes, and onions are companions to broccoli that are said to improve broccoli’s flavour. Beets, as well as nasturtiums and marigolds make great companions since they do not require the large amount of calcium that broccoli craves. 

Neve plant near Tomatoes and other nightshades. To prevent disease transmission, rotate crops. Avoid planting broccoli where any member of the cabbage family has been grown in the past three years.