Broccoli Calabrese Natalino [Brassica oleracea var. italica]

The biennial broccoli 'Calabrese Natalino' is the original variety that was groundbreaking for other broccoli varieties. Particularly delicate taste with a strikingly tender broccoli aroma. Forms further side shoots after the main harvest. Ideal for pre-cultivation, sowing in spring-summer, no pot culture, good for mixed culture, harvesting the cabbage heads.

 Description 
The broccoli 'Calabrese Natalino' is an old biennial, medium-early and traditional Italian cabbage variety that paved the way for the popularization of broccoli. This cabbage vegetable was already a popular food in Roman times. After the main flowering, this robust cabbage variety forms numerous side shoots until autumn. The particularly delicate taste of the flower buds is mild and has a delicate broccoli aroma. Broccoli is less demanding to grow than cauliflower and is ideal for eating raw.

 General information 
Plant family: Brassicaceae
Life cycle: Biennial
Days to harvest: 90 days
Plant height approx.: 60 cm
Root type: Deep rooter
Nutrient requirements: High
Water requirements: Medium
Winter hardiness: Up to -3°C
Location: Sunny
Soil: Permeable, humus-rich loamy soil

pH value: 6.5 to 7

 Sowing and planting information 
Germination type: Dark germinator
Sowing depth: 0.5-1 cm
Optimal germination temperature: 18-22 °C
Germination time: 7-14 days
Plant and row spacing: 50x50 cm

Germination ability of seeds: 3-4 years

 Mixed culture 
Optimal mixed culture: Basil, Marigold, Tagetes, Rosemary, Soy, Bean, Pea
Unfavorable mixed culture: Kohlrabi, Mustard, Radish, other types of cabbage

 Sowing by climate zone 
Subtropic climate (Mediterranean) (e. g. B. Portugal, Spain, Italy)
Pre-cultivation from January to September is recommended. The plants should ideally be planted in a sunny location.
Moderate climate (e. g. B. Germany, Switzerland, Poland)
Pre-cultivation from March to May is recommended. The plants should ideally be planted in a sunny location.

 General recommendations 
Pre-cultivation and subsequent planting at the specified planting distance is recommended. For pre-cultivation, sow the seeds in a small bowl and let the seedlings grow until the first visible cabbage leaves appear, then transplant them into the desired container. After transplanting, let the seedlings grow at moderate temperatures until they are planted out as seedlings. Plant the seedlings in the bed from the second pair of leaves after the cotyledons.
Broccoli 'Calabrese Natalino' prefers a permeable, nutrient-rich, moist and humus-rich loamy soil. Doesn't tolerate waterlogging.

 Additional tips 
The broccoli buds are harvested before the flowers open. To prevent cabbage flies from laying eggs, we recommend using vegetable protection nets. To quickly obtain a fine, crumbly and permeable soil with good nutrient and water storage capacity, we recommend additionally incorporating biochar and primary rock flour.

 Type of propagation 
Propagation occurs via seeds.

 Plant care 
Loose, nutrient-rich and moist soil is essential for stable growth. No fertilization necessary.

 Other names 
Botanical names: Brassica oleracea var. italica
English names: Broccoli
German names: Brokkoli
Portuguese names: Brócolis, Bróculos
Spanish names: Brócoli, Brócoli, Brécol
French names: Brocoli

 Origin 
Country: Portugal