BROCCOLI ‘Green Sprouting Calabrese’ Vegetable Seeds
Botanical Name: Brassica oleracea var. italica
‘Green Sprouting Calabrese’ is a classic heirloom broccoli known for its rich flavour, vigorous growth, and extended harvest period. It forms a small to medium central head followed by abundant side shoots that can be picked over several weeks. This cool-season variety is easy to grow, making it perfect for New Zealand home gardens during spring and autumn.
- Produces medium-sized central head with generous side shoots
- Excellent flavour for steaming, sautéing, or fresh eating
- Grow as a main-season crop in spring or autumn
- Reliable heirloom with strong, upright growth
- Well suited for raised beds, garden plots, or larger containers
Plant Details
- Plant Type: Biennial vegetable (grown as an annual)
- Plant Height: 60–90 cm
Sowing Information
- Germination: 7–10 days
- Depth: Sow 0.5–1 cm deep
- Position: Full sun to partial shade
- Sow Where: Direct sow or transplant seedlings from trays
- Soil Type: Fertile, well-drained soil with compost; pH 6.0–7.5
- Spacing: 40–60 cm between plants
Growing Tips for New Zealand Gardeners
- Keep soil evenly moist—dryness reduces floret quality and production
- Apply mulch to reduce weeds and conserve moisture
- Fertilise fortnightly with a nitrogen-rich liquid feed
- Harvest the central head when 10–15 cm wide, then side shoots as they form
- Regular picking encourages continuous production
Harvest
60–90 days from sowing. Cut the main head before buds open. Continue harvesting side shoots for several weeks afterward.
When to Sow Broccoli ‘Green Sprouting Calabrese’ in New Zealand
| NZ Region | Sowing Window | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| North Island – Upper (e.g. Auckland, Bay of Plenty) | September–April | Avoid mid-summer heat. Side shoots extend your harvest window. |
| North Island – Lower (e.g. Wellington, Taranaki) | September–April | Great for spring and late summer sowings. Protect seedlings from slugs. |
| South Island – Northern (e.g. Nelson, Marlborough) | September–April | Mulch and water well during warmer months. Harvest regularly. |
| South Island – Central & Southern (e.g. Canterbury, Otago) | August–April | Sow in early spring or late summer. Frost-tolerant once established. |
