MY MICHIGAN GARDEN
Calabrese Broccoli
Annual
Plant Height: 18-28"
Planting Depth: ¼-½"
Soil Temp, Germ: 55-85°F
Days to Germ.: 3-10
Plant Spacing: 18"
Days to Maturity: 60-90
Full Sun
Moderate Water
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GROWING DATES
Started Seeds Indoors:
March 1st
Growth Begins:
March 9
Transplanted To Garden:
May 30
First Harvest:
June 17
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Broccoli, (Brassica oleracea)
Brought to the US by Italian immigrants at the turn of the century,
this is a great broccoli for the home garden. Dark green plant with a
blue-green head. Plant remains productive after harvest of the head,
continuing to produce many side shoots until frost. For fresh use and freezing.
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Propagation:
In northern climates, start in the greenhouse in March. Sow seeds in flats,
thinly in rows, ˝" deep. At the sign of the fifth leaf, transplant
seedlings into 3-4" pots at a depth close to the crown, When mid-spring
frosts have nearly ended, it is time to transplant into the garden.
Harden off the seedlings by leaving them outside during the day and
in a cold frame at night. Plant every 18" in rows 16-24" apart.
Keep plants well cultivated. Second feedings of compost may be needed.
Foliar feeding with seaweed extracts prevent aphids and enhance overall
health. As a fall crop, plant directly into the garden a couple of weeks
after summer solstice. Sow thinly in rows. When plants reach 4" high,
thin to 15-18" apart. Cultivate and keep well watered.
Soil & Water:
Broccoli will flourish in both sandy/loam or clay/loam soils,
well nourished with high quality composted or aged manure.
Dolomite loam will help neutralize sandy, acidic soil.
Keep well watered.
Harvesting:
Harvest broccoli when heads are about 2/3 of their potential size.
This will encourage the plants to continue growing side buds of good
quality throughout the summer.
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Broccoli June 13
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Broccoli, July 3
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