Broccoli Green Sprouting Calabrese - 0.5 gram

Green Sprouting Calabrese is a classic, early maturing broccoli variety known for its large green central heads followed by multiple side shoots that extend the harvest period. It has a mild, sweet flavour and tender texture, ideal for steaming, stir-frying, or eating raw. This heirloom variety is cold-tolerant, making it perfect for spring and autumn crops in temperate climates.

Sowing & Growing Instructions

Sowing Time:

Spring Crop: Start indoors in late winter to early spring, transplant after last frost

Autumn Crop: Sow in mid to late summer, transplant for autumn harvest

Soil Requirements:

Rich, well-draining, moisture-retentive soil

Add compost or aged manure before planting

Preferred pH: 6.5–7.5

Sowing Method:

Indoors: Sow in modules or trays 6–8 weeks before transplanting

Outdoors: Direct sow when soil has warmed, though transplanting is preferred for spacing control

Depth & Spacing:

Sow seeds 1–1.5 cm deep

Transplant seedlings 40–50 cm apart in rows 50–60 cm apart

 Light:

Full sun – at least 6 hours per day

Watering:

Keep soil consistently moist, especially during head formation

Water at the base to reduce risk of fungal issues

Feeding:

Feed with a balanced organic fertiliser every few weeks

Side-dress with compost mid-season for extra growth

Harvesting:

Main head is ready when firm and tight, 10–20 cm wide

Cut central head, then continue harvesting side shoots for weeks afterward

Common Pests & Problems

Cabbage White Butterfly (Caterpillars)

Symptoms: Large holes in leaves, caterpillars on undersides

Control: Use mesh netting, hand-pick larvae, spray with Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis)

Aphids

Symptoms: Curling leaves, sticky residue

Control: Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap, encourage ladybirds

Flea Beetles

Symptoms: Small pinholes in leaves

Control: Use row covers, apply diatomaceous earth or organic sprays

Slugs & Snails

Symptoms: Irregular holes in leaves, especially on young plants

Control: Slug traps, copper tape, or organic pellets

Clubroot (Soil-borne disease)

Symptoms: Wilting, swollen or distorted roots

Prevention: Practice crop rotation, increase soil pH with lime if needed