Broccoli & Calabrese Seeds

Broccoli & Calabrese Seeds FAQs

Take a look at some of the frequently asked questions we receive from those looking to buy Broccoli & Calabrese Seeds in the UK. You can contact our Customer Service Team or browse our general FAQs for further advice.

When to Plant Broccoli & Calabrese Seeds

Broccoli and calabrese seeds can be sown indoors or directly outdoors, depending on the time of year and your local climate. For an early start, sow seeds indoors from February to April, then transplant the seedlings outdoors after the last frost in April or May. You can also sow seeds directly into the garden from April to June for a late summer to autumn harvest. Successional sowing every few weeks will ensure a continuous supply of fresh heads throughout the season.

How to Grow Broccoli & Calabrese from Seed

To grow broccoli and calabrese from seed, start by sowing seeds in seed trays or modules filled with a good-quality seed compost. Sow the seeds about 1cm deep and keep the compost moist but not waterlogged. Place the trays in a bright, cool location, ideally at a temperature of around 15-18°C. Once the seedlings have grown large enough to handle, transplant them into individual pots or directly into the garden, spacing them 45-60cm apart in rows. Choose a sunny location with fertile, well-drained soil enriched with compost or well-rotted manure. Broccoli and calabrese benefit from regular watering and a mulch around the base of the plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Protect your plants from pests, particularly cabbage white butterflies, by using netting or fleece.

How Long Does It Take to Harvest Broccoli & Calabrese?

The time to harvest depends on the variety and growing conditions. Broccoli generally takes 12 to 16 weeks from sowing to produce mature heads, while calabrese is faster-growing, typically ready to harvest in 8 to 12 weeks. Harvest broccoli and calabrese when the heads are well-formed but before the individual florets start to open. Cut the central head first, and your plants will often produce smaller side shoots that can be harvested in the following weeks, extending your crop.

Why Grow Broccoli & Calabrese from Seed?

Growing broccoli and calabrese from seed gives you access to a wider range of varieties, allowing you to choose those best suited to your growing conditions and taste preferences. It is also more cost-effective, especially if you plan to grow multiple plants or wish to stagger your harvests over the season. Starting from seed gives you complete control over the growing process, ensuring that your plants are strong, healthy, and free from chemicals. Plus, the satisfaction of growing your own vegetables from seed to plate is hard to beat.

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