Calabrese broccoli is probably what you imagine when you think of supermarket broccoli. It’s an heirloom heading variety introduced to the seed trade in 1910, brought to America by Italian immigrants. Calabrese broccoli boasts medium to large bluish-green heads and will gift you with numerous side shoots after you harvest the main head. Calabrese is full of classic broccoli flavor.

Sun exposure:

• Full sun (six to eight hours)

Soil pH:

• 6.5 to 7.0

Hardiness Zones:

• 3 to 10

Spacing:

• Thin to 12 to 18 inches apart
• Space rows 3 feet apart

Moisture:

1 to 1.5 inches per week depending on rainfall

Notes:

• Rich broccoli flavor
• 5-inch heads
• Grows to 30 to 36 inches high
• Matures in 65 days
• Can be planted in early spring or late summer

Have you ever grown Calabrese broccoli? Please tell us about your experiences with Calabrese broccoli.