This treasured Italian heirloom, brought to America in the 1880s, has earned its place as a home-garden classic. It forms a beautiful, tight, bluish-green central head measuring 3–5 inches across (often larger under good conditions), with densely packed, domed beads that stay tender and sweet. After the main head is harvested, the plant shifts into high gear, pushing out a generous supply of flavorful side shoots for weeks—often producing just as much total yield from the sides as from the initial head.
The plants grow upright and leafy, reaching a compact 30–36 inches tall and about 18–24 inches wide, so they fit nicely into small gardens or large containers. Maturity comes 60–90 days from transplant for the central head, with side-shoot production continuing for another 4–6 weeks if harvested regularly. Because of its relatively modest size and strong productivity, Green Sprouting Calabrese is one of the best broccoli varieties for container growing—just give it a 12–15-gallon pot (minimum 18 inches deep and wide) and plenty of nutrients.
Green Sprouting Calabrese thrives in cool weather and rich, consistently moist soil. It performs best when daytime temperatures stay between 60–75°F. Give it full sun—six to eight hours daily—though it appreciates light afternoon shade where summers are intense. Soil should be fertile, high in organic matter, and slightly on the neutral side (pH 6.5–7.5). Consistent moisture is critical; mulch heavily to keep roots cool and prevent water stress, which can cause loose heads or bitterness.
To get the biggest central head and the longest side-shoot harvest, side-dress with a balanced organic fertilizer or compost tea once the first small head appears. Start harvesting when the central head is full and tight but still deep green—cut it with 5–6 inches of stem to encourage vigorous side-shoot growth. After that, pick the side shoots regularly (every few days) when they reach 6–8 inches; the more you pick, the more the plant produces. With steady care and timely harvesting, a single plant can keep your kitchen in fresh broccoli for six weeks or longer.
Sold as a 4-pack.
