Calabrese Organic Broccoli Seeds

Calabrese Broccoli is a classic green sprouting variety known for its rich flavor and dependable garden performance. This organic variety produces large, dark green central heads followed by abundant side shoots that extend the harvest over a long season. Well suited for areas with cooler nights and shorter growing seasons, Calabrese is slow to bolt and delivers tender, flavorful florets that are excellent for fresh eating, cooking, and freezing. Its reliability and taste have made it a longtime favorite among home gardeners.

Seed Packet Details

• Packet Size: Standard home-garden seed packet (Approx. 200 seeds)

Packed with care and shipped from Kentucky.

Product Details

Botanical Name: Brassica oleracea
Variety: Calabrese (Green Sprouting) Broccoli
Seed Type: Open-pollinated heirloom
Life Cycle: Annual
Organic: Yes

What to Expect

Calabrese broccoli produces large, dark green central heads with excellent flavor, followed by abundant side shoots that extend the harvest over a long season. Plants grow to about 18–30 inches tall and perform especially well in cool weather, making them a great choice for spring and fall gardens. This variety is slow to bolt and delivers tender, flavorful florets ideal for fresh eating, cooking, and freezing.

Growing Basics

• Sun: Full sun to partial shade

• Plant Height: 18–30 inches

• Sow Method: Transplant recommended

• Sow Depth: 1/4 inch

• Plant Spacing: About 18 inches

• Row Spacing: About 3 feet

• Growing Conditions: Container friendly, cool-season crop

• Season: Main season variety

• Days to Maturity: Approximately 70 days

Growing Guide: Broccoli

Overview

Broccoli is a hardy, cool-season vegetable prized for its rich green color and nutritional value. As a member of the cole crop family, broccoli grows best in mild temperatures and can be planted for both spring and fall harvests. With proper timing and care, broccoli rewards gardeners with a large central head followed by multiple side shoots.

Before Planting

Broccoli prefers fertile, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Ideal soil pH ranges from 6.0 to 7.5, and consistent moisture is important throughout the growing season. Broccoli performs best in cooler conditions and may struggle in extended hot weather, making early spring and fall the most reliable planting windows.

Planting

Broccoli is typically started indoors and transplanted outdoors once seedlings are established.

• Start seeds indoors 3–4 weeks before transplanting

• Use a seed-starting mix and keep soil warm for germination

• Once seedlings emerge, provide bright light and good airflow

• Transplant outdoors when plants are sturdy and temperatures are mild

Space plants 10–18 inches apart, with rows 18–36 inches apart. Broccoli grows best when daytime temperatures stay between 55–75°F, though some varieties tolerate warmer conditions.

For fall harvests, start seeds in late spring or early summer so plants mature as temperatures cool.

Watering

Broccoli prefers cool, evenly moist soil. Provide about 1–1.5 inches of water per week, increasing during dry weather. Water deeply at the base of plants and avoid getting water on developing heads. Mulching around plants helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.

Fertilizing

Broccoli benefits from nutrient-rich soil. Mixing compost into the soil before planting supports strong early growth. If needed, a balanced fertilizer can be applied during the growing season to maintain steady development.

Days to Maturity

Most broccoli varieties are ready to harvest in about 60–80 days, depending on growing conditions. Heads should be harvested while florets are tight and compact.

Harvesting

Harvest the main head before flower buds open.

• Cut the central head when florets are firm and tightly closed

• Continue harvesting side shoots as they develop to extend the harvest

• If buds begin to show yellow color, harvest immediately

Growing Tips

Floating row covers can help protect young plants from common pests. Regular harvesting encourages continued side shoot production. Consistent moisture and cool temperatures are key to producing tender, high-quality heads.