Calabrese Broccoli Seeds (Organic)

Calabrese Broccoli is a classic heirloom variety cherished for its large, deep green heads and tender, flavorful florets. Originating from Italy, this broccoli grows on sturdy plants that produce a main central head, followed by numerous side shoots for an extended harvest. Thriving in full sun and rich, well-draining soil, Calabrese Broccoli matures in 60-85 days and performs well in both spring and fall gardens. The mild, slightly nutty flavor of the florets makes them perfect for steaming, roasting, or adding to soups and casseroles.

Variety Details

• Plant type: Hardy Annual
• Growth habit: Upright
• Crop category: Cabbage
• Kitchen profile: Calabrese Broccoli is a classic heirloom variety cherished for its large, deep green heads and tender, flavorful florets.
• Recorded feature: Open-Pollinated
• Product format: Seed packet with a separately listed bulk option

Sowing & Growing

• Soil Temperature: 75-85°F
• Planting Depth: 1/4"
• Germination: 4-20 Days
• Height At Maturity: 18"-30"
• Days To Maturity: 60-90 Days
• Sun/Shade: Partial Sun
• Spacing After Thinning: 1'-2'

Schedule Calabrese Broccoli for the cool-season planting window appropriate to your climate. Start seed in a protected setting or direct sow when the product record allows, then thin or transplant so each plant has room to develop. Check moisture at root depth and adjust irrigation to weather and soil rather than a universal schedule. As maturity approaches, inspect head, stem, or leaf development according to the crop type and harvest at the preferred size and firmness.

This variety is known for its cold tolerance, making it a reliable choice for cooler climates.

Regular harvesting encourages additional side shoots, ensuring a continuous supply of fresh broccoli throughout the growing season.

Bears until frost producing several side shoots after the central head has been harvested.

Brought with Italian immigrants in the late 1880's.

Before sowing Calabrese Broccoli, review the packet alongside the current product details and note any range in temperature, germination, or maturity. Ranges reflect biological and seasonal variation rather than a fixed promise. Label each planting with its date and location, then compare emergence, growth, and harvest with local weather. This record is useful for succession plantings and for deciding whether the crop fits better into an earlier or later seasonal window.

Explore related options in our Broccoli Growing Guide.