Calabrese & Broccoli are different varieties of the same vegetable.
Growing them both is an ideal way to extend the cropping season.
Calabrese can be defined as a mild flavoured green sprouting broccoli.
The hybrid varieties produce large green heads, and after harvesting produce a second crop of smaller spears reminiscent of traditional 'sprouting broccoli'
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In exposed gardens, taller varieties may need supporting with a cane to avoid wind damage.
Best results are obtained when planted in a sunny position, in soil enriched with liberal amounts of well-rotted manure.
Two weeks before setting out the young plants, prepare beds and rake in a top dressing of general fertiliser at 75 gm (3oz) per sq metre.
At planting out time check soil pH and top-dress with carbonate of lime at 100gms (4oz) per sq metre if necessary.
Keep the plants well watered.
A light dressing of nitrate of soda or nitro-chalk once or twice during the growing season is beneficial and improves the quality of the heads.
Cultivation;
Early cropping varieties;
Week 12; Sow seeds in pots or trays of seed compost and germinate at a temperature of 16°C (60°F)
Germination should take around four or five days.
Week 14; When the seedlings show their first pair of true leaves, prick them out into 75mm (3") pots of the seed compost and grow on at the same temperature, in a light position.
Week 15; Move plants into coldframe to harden off.
Week 20; Plant out 500mm (18") apart each way.
Note; It is recommended that the plants are covered with nets.
At this time of year they are an ideal food source for pigeons, rabbits and deer.
Autumn cropping varieties;
Week 24; Sow seeds in pots or trays of seed compost and germinate at a temperature of 13°C (55°F).
Germination should take around five or six days.
Week 27; When the seedlings show their first pair of true leaves, prick them out into 75mm (3") pots of the seed compost and grow on at the same temperature, in a light position.
Move plants into coldframe to harden off a couple of days after pricking out.
Week 30; Plant out 500mm (18") apart each way.
Harvesting;
Begin to harvest before the yellow flowers open.
Pick the heads/spears regularly to encourage the formation of more side-shoots.
Pests & Disease;
Pest and diseases are the same as any other member of the brassica family so always be vigilant for them, and treat them accordingly.
The most common are; Aphids, Cabbage root fly, Caterpillars Clubroot, and Downy Mildew.
