{"product_id":"calabrese-broccoli","title":"Calabrese Broccoli","description":"\u003cp class=\"sc-subtitle\"\u003eHeirloom · Open-Pollinated · 58–80 days from transplant\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sc-zone-pill\"\u003ecool-season · timing varies by zone\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sc-grows-label\"\u003eGrows well in\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sc-container-grid\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sc-container-chip\"\u003eRaised Bed ✓\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sc-container-chip\"\u003eIn-Ground ✓\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sc-container-chip\"\u003eContainer\/Pot ✓\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sc-container-chip\"\u003eGrow Bag ✓\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eMeet This Plant\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou've seen Calabrese broccoli your whole life. It's the big green head at every grocery store and on every vegetable tray at every party you've ever attended.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat you haven't seen is what happens after you cut that head in your own garden. Side shoots keep coming for weeks. It's a heavy feeder that wants cool weather and consistent moisture, and it will pay you back generously for both.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat it tastes like:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fresh and mildly sweet with a slight bitterness that disappears when cooked. Nothing like the waterlogged florets from a grocery store steam bag.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eHow to Grow It\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-top: 24px;\" class=\"sc-icon-row\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"sc-icon-row-label\"\u003eSun\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sc-pips\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"sc-pip sun\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan class=\"sc-pip sun\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan class=\"sc-pip sun\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"sc-icon-note\"\u003eFull sun, at least 6 hours a day. Less sun means slower maturation and smaller heads.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sc-icon-row\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"sc-icon-row-label\"\u003eWater\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sc-pips\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"sc-pip water\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan class=\"sc-pip water\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan class=\"sc-pip water\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"sc-icon-note\"\u003eBroccoli is thirsty. Keep soil consistently moist throughout the season.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv style=\"font-size: 25px; font-weight: bold; margin-top: 40px; margin-bottom: 12px; font-family: 'Outfit', sans-serif; color: #1a1a1a;\"\u003eSowing Details\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"sc-list\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"li-label\"\u003eDepth\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"li-val\"\u003e¼–½ inch\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"li-label\"\u003eSpacing\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"li-val\"\u003e18–24 inches\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"li-label\"\u003eRow Spacing\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"li-val\"\u003e24–36 inches\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"li-label\"\u003eThinning\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"li-val\"\u003e18–24 inches\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"li-label\"\u003eGermination\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"li-val\"\u003e5–10 days (slower in cool soil)\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"li-label\"\u003eDays to Maturity\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"li-val\"\u003e58–80 days from transplant · ~90–110 days from seed\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv style=\"font-size: 25px; font-weight: bold; margin-top: 40px; margin-bottom: 12px; font-family: 'Outfit', sans-serif; color: #1a1a1a;\"\u003eWhen to Plant\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sc-zone-grid\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sc-zone-card\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sc-zone-header\"\u003e❄️ Cool Climates · Zones 3–6\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sc-zone-body\"\u003eFor spring, start indoors 4–6 weeks before your last frost. Transplant out 2–3 weeks before your last frost when daytime temperatures are consistently in the 40s to 50s°F.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFor fall, start indoors 10–12 weeks before your first fall frost or once daytime temperatures begin dropping below about 75°F, and transplant out in late summer.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sc-zone-card\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sc-zone-header\"\u003e☀️ Warm Climates · Zones 7–11\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sc-zone-body\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eZones 7–8\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFor fall, start seeds indoors in late summer and transplant once daytime temperatures start dropping below 80°F, typically 8–10 weeks before your first fall frost. This is your most reliable season.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFor spring, start seeds indoors in late winter and transplant while daytime temperatures are still in the 50s to 60s°F, typically 4–6 weeks before your last frost. Get them in early. Rising temperatures lead to buttoning or bolting before plants reach full size.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eZones 9–11\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFall through early spring is your window. Start seeds indoors in late summer and transplant once temperatures begin cooling, typically around your first fall frost window. Spring crops are possible if planted very early but the heat arrives fast.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eGrow Friend Tips\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"sc-tip-title\"\u003eHarvest the main head before it flowers and you'll get weeks of side shoots\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"sc-tip-body\"\u003eThe main head is ready when it's 4–7 inches across and the buds are tight and dark green. Cut it. That's when the real bonus kicks in. Smaller side shoots start forming all over the plant and keep coming for a month or more. Keep harvesting and they keep coming. Wait too long and yellow buds mean it's over.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp class=\"sc-tip-title\"\u003eBroccoli is a heavy feeder. Treat it like one.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"sc-tip-body\"\u003eSide dress with compost or a balanced fertilizer a few weeks after transplanting. Nutrient-poor soil shows up fast as pale, slow-growing plants with disappointing heads. Rich soil makes a noticeable difference.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp class=\"sc-tip-title\"\u003eRotate it every year\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"sc-tip-body\"\u003eDon't plant broccoli where any brassica grew in the last three years. Clubroot and other soil-borne diseases build up fast in the same spot. Plant it somewhere different and your plants will stay healthier with almost no extra effort.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp class=\"sc-tip-title\"\u003eRow cover is your best friend early on\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"sc-tip-body\"\u003eFlea beetles shred seedlings fast. Get row cover on at planting and leave it until plants are established. Cabbageworm shows up later, so check the undersides of leaves weekly and pick them off by hand. Bt works if things get out of hand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"sc-companions\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"sc-companion-label\"\u003eCompanion plants\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"sc-tag\"\u003eDill\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"sc-tag\"\u003eNasturtium\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"sc-tag\"\u003eMarigold\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"sc-tag\"\u003eGarlic\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"sc-tag\"\u003eCelery\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"sc-tag\"\u003eOnion\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"sc-tag\"\u003eChamomile\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eHarvest \u0026amp; What to Do With It\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhen it's ready\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe main head should be 4–7 inches across with buds that are tight and dark green. If the buds start to separate or show any yellow, harvest immediately. Side shoots are ready when they're a few inches long with tight buds. Same rule applies.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow to harvest\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCut the main head with a sharp knife, leaving 5–6 inches of stem. Make a slanted cut so water doesn't pool and rot the stalk. After that, check every few days and cut side shoots as they develop.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eYield\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne main head per plant, then several weeks of smaller side shoots. Plant a few at a time every couple of weeks for a steady flow rather than a bunch all at once.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eShort-term storage\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRefrigerate dry in a loose bag and wash right before use. Good for about 3–7 days. Broccoli declines fast after harvest. Don't let it sit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eLong-term storage\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sc-storage-item\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"sc-storage-yes\"\u003e✅\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"sc-storage-name\"\u003eFreezing:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"sc-storage-note\"\u003e Blanch 3 minutes, ice bath, dry well, freeze flat then bag. Keeps up to 12 months. Best texture of any preservation method for broccoli.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sc-storage-item\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"sc-storage-yes\"\u003e✅\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"sc-storage-name\"\u003eDehydrating:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"sc-storage-note\"\u003e Blanch first, then dehydrate at 125°F until completely dry. Good crumbled into soups. Keeps 6–12 months airtight.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sc-storage-item\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"sc-storage-yes\"\u003e✅\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"sc-storage-name\"\u003eRefrigerator pickling:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"sc-storage-note\"\u003e Quick pickled florets with vinegar, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Keeps 2–3 weeks in the fridge.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sc-storage-item\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"sc-storage-no\"\u003e❌\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"sc-storage-name\"\u003ePressure canning:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"sc-storage-note\"\u003e Broccoli can be pressure canned safely, but it turns mushy and sulfurous. Not worth the effort or the smell. Most gardeners prefer freezing.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sc-storage-item\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"sc-storage-no\"\u003e❌\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"sc-storage-name\"\u003eWater bath canning:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"sc-storage-note\"\u003e Low-acid vegetable. Not safe on its own.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sc-storage-item\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"sc-storage-no\"\u003e❌\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"sc-storage-name\"\u003eRoot cellaring:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"sc-storage-note\"\u003e Doesn't hold up outside of refrigeration.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat to cook\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRoast it at high heat until the edges char. That's the move most people skip and shouldn't. It also holds up well in stir fries, soups, and pasta where it absorbs flavor without falling apart.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eSeed Storage \u0026amp; Saving\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"sc-seed-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eVariety\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCalabrese Broccoli\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eType\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHeirloom · Open-Pollinated\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSeeds per packet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e~150 seeds\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin-top: 16px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStoring unused seeds:\u003c\/strong\u003e Keep somewhere cool, dark, and dry. Viable 3–5 years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeed saving:\u003c\/strong\u003e Calabrese is a biennial. It sets seed in year two. Let a few plants overwinter and bolt in spring, then collect pods once they're fully dry. Crosses freely with other Brassica oleracea crops including kale, cabbage, and cauliflower. You need at least ½ mile of distance from any flowering relatives to keep the variety true.\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"Sow Chaotic","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43803772977230,"sku":null,"price":3.5,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0739\/3630\/6254\/files\/2_db2d7fba-057c-4573-b966-0b49b2158ad3.png?v=1786455918","url":"https:\/\/sowchaotic.com\/products\/calabrese-broccoli","provider":"Sow Chaotic","version":"1.0","type":"link"}