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| Calabrese/Broccoli |
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Calabrese & Broccoli are actually a form of Cauliflower and as such are treated in a similar way.
Calabrese is 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'
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 curds.
Summer cropping;
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.
Autumn/Spring cropping;
Week 25; 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 33; Plant out 500mm (18") apart each way.
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