Broccoli
Brassica oleracea, Italica group
Broccoli is actually a form of cabbage, like Kohlrabi and Cauliflower. I’ve purchased two varieties — one from the store in the form of 3″ plants, and one from seed. The Green Sprouting Calabrese is the variety from seed; the Packman variety was purchased.
Like other cabbages, the “fruit” of the broccoli is actually the head of the plant. The leaves and stem are typically discarded when cooking. It grows low to the ground and needs to be separated by about 24″, but I’ll probably plant one to a square foot because I’m kind of a cheapskate like that. Broccoli likely originated in Rome and
Care and Chores
- When the head is the size of a doorknob, tie the leaves over the head with a bit of string or a rubberband to keep the “flower” white.
- Some sources indicate that Cauliflower requires more frequent watering.
My Notes
- 2009 Calabrese Batch 1: I lost track of planting and germination date, but for a plant that proclaims to be an “early” variety, seed germination took a heck of a long time. Disposed of due to legginess.
- 2009 Calabrese Batch 2
- Planted 12Feb09
- Sprouted 15feb09. Germination was quick when you plant in the right soil apparently!
- All died due to legginess.
- 2009 Packman
- Planted in garden as of mid-Feburary.
Other Resources
- Project Gutenberg: How to Grow Cabbages and Cauliflowers, James J.H. Gregory, published 1889.
Photos
Packman Broccoli in garden, taken 11March09.
Packman Broccoli, 26March09
Packman Broccoli heading (or flowering?) as of 16Apr09
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