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How to Grow Broccoli (Calabrese)
Index
- Sowing Instructions
- How to Transplant
- Crop Maintenance
- How to Harvest
- Storage
- Pests & Diseases
Sowing Instructions
- Sowing time: Sow from March to June
- Sowing location: Starting indoors in 9cm pots
- Soak soil before sowing
- Sow 3 seeds in the centre of each pot, approximately 2.5cm deep
- Cover the seeds with soil & water well
- Germination after 10 days
- Seedlings can be thinned out once they emerge
- Broccoli can be sown directly outdoors in mid April
- Sow seeds thinly
How to Transplant
- Transplant in early summer, once plants reach 15cm in height
- Space calabrese 30cm apart in rows
- Soil: Calabrese thrives in rich, well drained soil
- Medium heavy soil is preferred
- The soil should be prepared well in advance and allowed to settle
- Preferred ph is between 6.5 and 7.5
Crop Maintenance
- Add manure or rotted compost in the autumn before planting
- Be sure to weed the soil and make sure it is stone free
- Mulch around the plant to ensure water retention
- Water well in dry spells
- However be careful not to water too much
Harvesting
- Calabrese is fast growing, some varieties will be ready to harvest after 45 days
- Harvest when side florets start to loosen
- When the main head is still compact
- Cut the calabrese at the base of the stalk
Storage
- Short term storage: Place in a compartment in the fridge
- Can be frozen for longer term storage
- Simply blanch as you would with other vegetables, allow to cool, then freeze
Pests & Diseases
- Pests: Cabbage root fly
- Damage: Affects the roots causing them to swell and distort
- Careful attention is vital in combating pests
- If problem gets out of hand, a chemical may be introduced
- Other pests and diseases include caterpillars, cabbage rot and maggots
