Green Sprouting Calabrese Broccoli Seeds - (Brassica oleracea)

Green Sprouting Calabrese Broccoli

A lovely, old fashioned Broccoli variety that is very disease resistant, very hardy and a very prolific producer of large dark bluish-green 5-8" heads with many side shoots. Has been a mainstay for many gardeners’ year in and year out, partly because it does not mature uniformly and partly because it produces many side shoots once the initial head is harvested. 

An Italian heirloom brought to America in the 1880's and introduced to the seed trade between 1914-1918 and has remained very popular with gardener's ever since. 

This variety grows tall, 30-36" erect and leafy, producing a bluish-green central head that can be harvested, it will continue to produce an abundance of side shoots to be harvested for continuing weeks. Very frost resistant.

Although the heads and side shoots of this Broccoli variety are typically the only thing used, the stalks, buds and leaves are also edible and very tasty. Try growing a few seeds to a micro-greens stage, then harvest with scissors when they have formed their first leaves and simply add to a sandwich or to a pasta dish. You will find they are very tender with an astonishing clarity of flavor.

History

Broccoli originated in the Eastern Mediterranean and was imported into Italy at the end of the 16th century. From there it migrated north into Germany and France. 

Uses

The stalks may be eaten like asparagus. In Italy it is usually cooked with garlic, olive oil and white wine. Broccoli can be eaten fresh or cooked.

Learn More

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• Direct Sowing Your Garden Successfully

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