Plant Guide
 
vegetable

Calabrese Broccoli

Brassica oleracea var. italica

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Calabrese Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) at Walter's Greenhouses

Calabrese Broccoli fruit

Calabrese Broccoli fruit

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Calabrese Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) at Walter's Greenhouses

Calabrese Broccoli fruit

Calabrese Broccoli fruit

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Height:  24 inches

Spacing:  14 inches

Sunlight:  full sun 

Hardiness Zone:  (annual)

Description:

A beautiful cool weather plant that produces large heads of green florets; with its distinct yet mild flavor, this selection is very versatile in the culinary world; great for raw eating or cooked in soups, roasted and even fried

Edible Qualities

Calabrese Broccoli is an annual vegetable plant that is commonly grown for its edible qualities. It produces green round florets which are typically harvested when mature. The florets have a pleasant taste and a crunchy texture.

The florets are most often used in the following ways:

  • Fresh Eating
  • Eating When Cooked/Prepared
  • Cooking

Planting & Growing

Calabrese Broccoli will grow to be about 24 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 18 inches. When planted in rows, individual plants should be spaced approximately 14 inches apart. This fast-growing vegetable plant is an annual, which means that it will grow for one season in your garden and then die after producing a crop.

This plant is typically grown in a designated vegetable garden. It should only be grown in full sunlight. It does best in average to evenly moist conditions, but will not tolerate standing water. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This species is not originally from North America, and it is considered by many to be an heirloom plant.

 
 
Hardiness Zone Plant Height Minimum Sunlight
Characteristics
Garden 
Applications
Vegetable 
Ornamental Features