Broccoli ‘Calabrese Natalino’ – a historic Italian variety with tender florets and a generous harvest of side shoots
This open-pollinated variety produces compact green main heads with tender florets and a pleasantly mild, delicate broccoli flavour. After the main harvest, numerous smaller side shoots develop, providing fresh vegetables over several weeks. The heads and tender stems are versatile in the kitchen and can be enjoyed both raw and gently cooked. The variety is particularly well suited to early summer and autumn cultivation, as well as to the cooler season in mild regions.
Origin & History
‘Calabrese Natalino’ is one of the old Italian broccoli varieties. Its documented cultivation tradition dates back to the late 19th century. A characteristic feature is the combination of a compact main head with a substantial secondary harvest of smaller side shoots. It is still offered today under the alternative name ‘Ramoso Calabrese’. This name refers to its branching growth habit, and both names are also linked in the Italian variety catalogue, where the variety is listed with a registration date of 1977.
The variety played an important role in the spread of open-pollinated broccoli cultivation and was later also used as breeding material for new varieties. From 1999 onwards, further breeding work based on ‘Calabrese Natalino’ began within the Kultursaat network, eventually leading to the variety ‘Calinaro’ after several years of selection. ‘Calabrese Natalino’ itself has remained preserved as a distinct open-pollinated variety. Its Italian origin, delicate flavour and continuous production of side shoots continue to make it a valued classic for home gardens.
Appearance & Characteristics
The plant grows upright with strong stems and broad, grey-green leaves. During the harvest stage, it usually reaches around 50–70 cm in height; if left to mature for seed, it develops much taller, branching flower stems. The larger main head forms above the leaf rosette first, followed later by smaller heads on the side shoots. Unharvested buds open into yellow flowers. The variety tolerates short periods of light frost but is not reliably winter-hardy as a permanent crop and requires protection during harder frost.
Head details:
Size: Main heads around 15–20 cm in diameter; later side heads remain considerably smaller
Shape: Rounded to domed, with densely packed, closed flower buds
Color: Medium to dark green; open flowers are yellow
Texture: Firm, finely textured florets with tender stems
Flavor: Mild and delicately aromatic, with a characteristic broccoli flavour
Usage & Cultivation Highlights
The florets are suitable for steaming, stir-fries, soups and casseroles, or as a fresh side dish. When harvested young and tender, they can also be eaten raw in salads. Peeled stems can be sliced and cooked together with the florets, while young leaves can be added to cooked vegetable dishes. The smaller side heads are particularly convenient for harvesting fresh portions as needed. For storage, the harvested broccoli can be briefly blanched and then frozen.
For good head quality, steady growth and harvesting before the buds begin to open are essential. Several smaller sowings spaced a few weeks apart help spread the start of the harvest and prevent too many main heads from becoming ready at the same time. After the main heads have been cut, the plants remain in the bed for further harvesting; an appropriate supplementary application of organic fertiliser supports the development of side shoots. In regions with hot summers, it is advantageous to time head formation for the milder autumn, winter or spring period.
Compared with other broccoli varieties, the particular strength of ‘Calabrese Natalino’ lies in the combination of a well-developed main head and numerous subsequent side heads. This makes it particularly suitable for a continuous supply of smaller, freshly harvested portions. Its mild flavour, versatile edible stems and open-pollinated nature make it an interesting choice for home gardens and growing your own food.
